Power delivery device, AC adapter, electronic apparatus and power delivery system, having variable function of output voltage value and available output current capacity

ABSTRACT

The PD device includes: a DC/DC converter disposed between an input and an output; a primary-side controller configured to control an input current of the DC/DC converter; and a secondary-side controller connected with AC coupling to the output, and configured to feed back electric power information of the output to the primary-side controller. The primary-side controller varies an output voltage value and an available output current capacity of the DC/DC converter by controlling the input current on the basis of the electric power information fed back from the secondary-side controller.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromprior Japanese Patent Application Nos. P2013-004909 filed on Jan. 15,2013, P2013-034509 filed on Feb. 25, 2013, and P2013-035321 filed onFeb. 26, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a Power Delivery (PD) device, anAlternating-Current (AC) adapter, an electronic apparatus, and a PowerDelivery (PD) system. The present invention relates in particular to aPD device, an AC adapter, an electronic apparatus, and a PD system eachwhich have a variable function of an output voltage value and anavailable output current capacity (MAX value).

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, there have been provided Direct Current (DC) powersockets which can intercommunicate between terminal devices and powerline carrier communication networks supporting telecommunicationsstandards with a power delivery (Refer to Patent Literature 1, forexample.).

There are Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology and Universal Serial Bus(USB) technology as a power delivery technology using data lines (Referto Non Patent Literature 1, for example.).

As the USB technologies, there are USB 2.0 Standard up to maximum supplypower of 2.5 W, USB 3.0 Standard up to maximum supply power of 4.5 W,and Battery Charging Standard (BCS) Revision 1.2 up to maximum supplypower of 7.5 W according to the power delivery level.

A USB Power Delivery (USB PD) Specification Revision 1.0 is compatiblewith existing cables and existing connectors, and coexists also with theUSB 2.0 Standard, the USB 3.0 Standard, and the USB Battery ChargingStandard (BCS) Revision 1.2. In such a standard, values of the chargingcurrent and voltage is selectable within a range of voltage 5V-12V-20Vand a range of current 1.5 A-2 A-3 A-5 A, and the USB electric chargingand power transmission can be achieved to be 10 W, 18 W, 36 W, 65 W, andthe maximum of 100 W.

DC/DC converters have been used as a power source for achieving such apower delivery. There are a diode rectification system and a synchronousrectification method in the DC/DC converters.

CITATION LIST

-   Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laying-Open    Publication No. 2011-82802-   Non-Patent Literature 1: “Special Edition: Power Delivery with Data    Lines”, Nikkei Electronics, Oct. 9, 2012, pp. 23-40

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

The object of the present invention is to provide a PD device, an ACadapter, an electronic apparatus, and a PD system each which can controla variable function of an output voltage value and an available outputcurrent capacity (MAX value).

Solution to Problem

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided apower delivery device comprising: a DC/DC converter disposed between aninput and an output; a primary-side controller configured to control aninput current of the DC/DC converter; and a secondary-side controllerconnected with AC coupling to the output, the secondary-side controllerconfigured to feed back electric power information of the output to theprimary-side controller, wherein the primary-side controller varies anoutput voltage value and an available output current capacity of theDC/DC converter by controlling the input current on the basis of theelectric power information fed back from the secondary-side controller.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda power delivery device comprising: a DC/DC converter disposed betweenan input and an output; a primary-side controller configured to controlan input current of the DC/DC converter; an AC coupling capacitorconnected to the output; and an insulation circuit connected to theoutput through the AC coupling capacitor, the insulation circuitconfigured to feed back the electric power information of the output tothe primary-side controller, wherein the primary-side controller variesan output voltage value and an available output current capacity of theDC/DC converter by controlling the input current on the basis of theelectric power information fed back from the insulation circuit.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an AC Adapter comprising the above-mentioned power deliverydevice.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an electronic apparatus comprising any one of theabove-mentioned power delivery devices.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a power delivery system comprising any one of theabove-mentioned power delivery devices.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, there can be provided the PD device,the AC adapter, the electronic apparatus, and the PD system each whichcan control the variable function of the output voltage value and theavailable output current capacity (MAX value).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing afirst Power Delivery (PD) device according to basic technology.

FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing asecond PD device according to basic technology.

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram showing a relationship of an outputvoltage and an output current obtained using the second PD deviceaccording to the basic technology, which is an example of a rectangularshape showing a Constant Voltage Constant Current (CVCC).

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram showing the relationship of the outputvoltage and the output current obtained using the second PD deviceaccording to the basic technology, which is an example of a fold-backshape of an inverted trapezium.

FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram showing the relationship of the outputvoltage and the output current obtained using the second PD deviceaccording to the basic technology, which is an example of a fold-backshape of an inverted triangle.

FIG. 3D is a schematic diagram showing the relationship of the outputvoltage and the output current obtained using the second PD deviceaccording to the basic technology, which is an example of a trapezoidalshape.

FIG. 3E is a schematic diagram showing the relationship of the outputvoltage and the output current obtained using the second PD deviceaccording to the basic technology, which is an example of a pentagonshape.

FIG. 4 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing athird PD device according to the basic technology.

FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing afourth PD device according to the basic technology.

FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing a PDdevice according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing a PDdevice according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing a PDdevice according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing a PDdevice according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing a PDdevice according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a structural example of an insulating bidirectionalcircuit in the PD device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing a PDdevice according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 13A shows an example of wire connection in which a plug connectableto a power socket is connected to an AC adapter using a cable, and showsin particular an example in which a PD device in the AC adapter isconnected to an external USB PD device using the cable.

FIG. 13B shows the example of wire connection in which the plugconnectable to the power socket is connected to the AC adapter using thecable, and shows in particular an example in which a USB PD device isincluded in the AC adapter.

FIG. 13c shows the example of wire connection in which the plugconnectable to the power socket is connected to the AC adapter using thecable, and shows in particular an example in which the USB PD deviceincluded in the AC adapter is connected to the external USB PD deviceusing a USB PD cable.

FIG. 14A shows an example of wire connection in which the plugconnectable to the power socket is connected to the AC adapter using aUSB PD cable, and shows in particular an example in which the PD devicein the AC adapter is connected to the external USB PD device using thecable.

FIG. 14B shows an example of wire connection in which the plugconnectable to the power socket is connected to the AC adapter using theUSB PD cable, and shows in particular an example in which a USB PDdevice is included in the AC adapter.

FIG. 14c shows the example of wire connection in which the plugconnectable to the power socket is connected to the AC adapter using theUSB PD cable, and shows in particular an example in which the USB PDdevice included in the AC adapter is connected to the external USB PDdevice using a USB PD device cable.

FIG. 15A shows an example of wire connection in which the plugconnectable to the power socket is included in the AC adapter, and isconnected the AC adapter using the connecting means other than thecable, and shows in particular an example in which the PD device in theAC adapter is connected to the external USB PD device using the cable.

FIG. 15B shows the example of wire connection in which the plugconnectable to the power socket is included in the AC adapter, and isconnected the AC adapter using the connecting means other than thecable, and shows in particular an example in which the USB PD device isincluded in the AC adapter.

FIG. 15C shows the example of wire connection in which the plugconnectable to the power socket is included in the AC adapter, and isconnected the AC adapter using the connecting means other than thecable, and shows in particular an example in which the USB PD deviceincluded in the AC adapter is connected to the external USB PD deviceusing the USB PD device cable.

FIG. 16A shows an example of wire connection in which the plugconnectable to the power socket is included in the AC adapter, and isconnected the AC adapter using a connecting means other than the cable,having a plurality of USB ports, and shows in particular an example inwhich a plurality of the PD devices in the AC adapter is connected to aplurality of the external USB PD devices using the cable.

FIG. 16B shows the example of wire connection in which the plugconnectable to the power socket is included in the AC adapter, and isconnected the AC adapter using the connecting means other than thecable, having the plurality of the USB ports, and shows in particular anexample in which the plurality of the USB PD devices is included in theAC adapter.

FIG. 16C shows the example of wire connection in which the plugconnectable to the power socket is included in the AC adapter, and isconnected the AC adapter using a connecting means other than the cable,having a plurality of USE ports, and shows in particular an example inwhich the plurality of the USB PD devices included in the AC adapter isconnected to a plurality of the external USB PD devices using aplurality of the USB PD cables.

FIG. 17A shows an example of wire connection in which the electronicapparatus is connected to the plug connectable to the power socket usingthe cable, and shows in particular an example in which a plurality ofinternal circuits which include the USB PD device therein are includedin an electronic apparatus, having a plurality of signals using the USBPD device.

FIG. 17B shows the example of wire connection in which the electronicapparatus is connected to the plug connectable to the power socket usingthe cable, and shows in particular an example in which the plugconnectable to the power socket is included in the electronic apparatus,the plurality of the internal circuits which include the USB PD devicetherein are included in the electronic apparatus, having the pluralityof the signals using the USB PD device.

FIG. 18A shows the example in which the plug connectable to the powersocket is included in the electronic apparatus, the plurality of theinternal circuits which include the USB PD device therein are includedin the electronic apparatus, having the plurality of the signals usingthe USB PD device, and shows in particular an example in which a USB PDdevice connected to the outside is included in one internal circuit.

FIG. 18B shows the example in which the plug connectable to the powersocket is included in the electronic apparatus, the plurality of theinternal circuits which include the USB PD device therein are includedin the electronic apparatus, having the plurality of the signals usingthe USB PD device, and shows in particular an example in which aplurality of the USB PD devices connected to the outside is included inone internal circuit.

FIG. 19A is an explanatory diagram of a protection function of the USBPD device according to the first to sixth embodiments in the case wherea smart phone is used as a connecting target.

FIG. 19B is an explanatory diagram of a protection function of the USBPD device according to the first to sixth embodiments in the case wherea laptop Personal Computer (PC) is used as a connecting target.

FIG. 20 shows a schematic bird's-eye view structure example of a plugapplicable to the USB PD device according to the first to sixthembodiments.

FIG. 21 shows a schematic bird's-eye view structure example ofalternative plug applicable to the USB PD device according to the firstto sixth embodiments.

FIG. 22 shows a schematic bird's-eye view structure example of stillalternative plug applicable to the USB PD device according to the firstto sixth embodiments.

FIG. 23 shows a schematic bird's-eye view structure example of yetalternative plug applicable to the USB PD device according to the firstto sixth embodiments.

FIG. 24A is a schematic block configuration diagram illustrating a USBdata communication and power delivery between a battery charger systemand a laptop PC, in a Power Delivery (PD) system to which the PD devicesaccording to the first to sixth embodiments can be applied.

FIG. 24B is a schematic block configuration diagram illustrating the USBdata communication and the power delivery between a smart phone and thelaptop PC, in the PD system to which the PD devices according to thefirst to sixth embodiments can be applied.

FIG. 25A is a schematic block configuration diagram illustrating the USBdata communication and the power delivery between two PCs, in the PDsystem to which the PD devices according to the first to sixthembodiments can be applied.

FIG. 25B is schematic diagram of a waveform in which one-directional ACinformation AC1 is superposed on DC power in the PD system to which thePD devices according to the first to sixth embodiments can be applied.

FIG. 25C is schematic diagram of a waveform in which reverse directionalAC information AC2 is superposed on DC power in the PD system to whichthe PD devices according to the first to sixth embodiments can beapplied.

FIG. 26A is a schematic block configuration diagram illustrating the USBdata communication and the power delivery between two units, in the PDsystem to which the PD devices according to the first to sixthembodiments can be applied.

FIG. 26B is schematic diagram of a waveform in which bidirectionalcontrol signal is superposed on DC power in the PD system to which thePD devices according to the first to sixth embodiments can be applied.

FIG. 27 is a schematic block configuration diagram of the PD system towhich the PD devices according to the first to sixth embodiments can beapplied composed of an AC adapter and a smart phone each which includethe USB PD device therein.

FIG. 28 is a schematic block configuration diagram of the PD system towhich the PD devices according to the first to sixth embodiments can beapplied composed of two units each which include the USB PD devicetherein.

FIG. 29A is a schematic block configuration diagram of the PD system towhich the PD devices according to the first to sixth embodiments can beapplied composed of alternative two units.

FIG. 29B is a schematic diagram illustrating a transmission direction ofUSB data and electric power transmitted through the USB PD cable, in thePD system to which the PD devices according to the first to sixthembodiments.

FIG. 30 is a first schematic block configuration diagram of the PDsystem to which the PD devices according to the first to sixthembodiments.

FIG. 31 is a second schematic block configuration diagram of the PDsystem to which the PD devices according to the first to sixthembodiments.

FIG. 32 is a third schematic block configuration diagram of the PDsystem to which the PD devices according to the first to sixthembodiments.

FIG. 33 is a forth schematic block configuration diagram of the PDsystem to which the PD devices according to the first to sixthembodiments.

FIG. 34 shows a usage example of a USB PD-IC applicable to the PDdevices according to the first to sixth embodiments.

FIG. 35 shows a usage example of the USB PD-IC applicable to the PDdevices according to the first to sixth embodiments.

FIG. 36 shows a usage example of the USB PD-IC applicable to the PDdevices according to the first to sixth embodiments.

FIG. 37 shows a usage example of the USB PD-IC applicable to the PDdevices according to the first to sixth embodiments.

FIG. 38 shows a usage example of the USB PD-IC applicable to the PDdevices according to the first to sixth embodiments.

FIG. 39A is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing a PDdevice according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 39B shows a structural example of an insulating bidirectionalcircuit applicable to the PD device according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing a PDdevice according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing a PDdevice according to a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing a PDdevice according to a tenth embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing a PDdevice according to an eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing a PDdevice according to a twelfth embodiment

FIG. 45 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing a PDdevice according to a thirteenth embodiment.

FIG. 46 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing a PDdevice according to a fourteenth embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram illustratingan aspect for achieving DC feedback and AC signal common in thefourteenth embodiment.

FIG. 48A is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram of aninsulating bidirectional circuit applicable to the PD device accordingto the fourteenth embodiment.

FIG. 48B is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram of analternative insulating bidirectional circuit applicable to the PD deviceaccording to the fourteenth embodiment.

FIG. 48C is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram of stillalternative insulating bidirectional circuit applicable to the PD deviceaccording to the fourteenth embodiment.

FIG. 49 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing a PDdevice according to a fifteenth embodiment.

FIG. 50 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing a PDdevice according to a sixteenth embodiment.

FIG. 51 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing a PDdevice according to a seventeenth embodiment.

FIG. 52 is a schematic circuit block configuration diagram showing a PDdevice according to an eighteenth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

There will be described embodiments of the present invention, withreference to the drawings. In the following drawings, same blocks orelements are designated by same reference characters to eliminateredundancy and for simplicity. However, it should be known about thatthe drawings are schematic and are differ from an actual thing. Ofcourse, the part from which the relation and ratio of a mutual sizediffer also in mutually drawings is included.

The embodiments to be described hereinafter exemplify the apparatus andmethod for a technical concept or spirit of the present invention; anddo not specify dispositions, etc. of each component part as examplesmentioned below. The embodiments of the present invention may be changedwithout departing from the spirit or scope of claims.

[Basic Technology]

As shown in FIG. 1, a first PD device 4 according to a basic technologyincludes: a DC/DC converter 13 disposed between an input and an output,and composed of a transformer 15, a diode D1, a capacitor. C1, and a MOStransistor Q1 connected in series between a primary-side inductance L1of the transformer 15 and a ground potential, and a resistor RS; aprimary-side controller 30 configured to control the MOS transistor Q1;a power source supply circuit 10 connected between the input and theprimary-side controller 30, and configured to supply a power source tothe primary-side controller 30; an error amplifier 21 for errorcompensation connected to the output; and an insulation circuit 20connected to the error amplifier 21 and configured to feed back outputinformation to the primary-side controller 30.

In the first PD device 4 according to the basic technology, the voltageis fed back from the output. More specifically, the electric powerinformation is fed back from the output (secondary) side to the input(primary) side, and ON/OFF of MOS transistor Q1 is controlled by theprimary-side controller 30, thereby stabilizing the output voltage. Theamount of current conducted to the primary-side inductance L1 in thetransformer 15 is detected by the current sensing resistor RS, and theamount of current of the primary-side overcurrent is controlled in theprimary-side controller 30.

As shown in FIG. 2, a second PD device 4 according to the basictechnology includes: a current sensing resistor RL connected to inseries between a secondary-side inductance L2 of the transformer 15 andthe ground potential, and a power amplifier 19 connected to the bothterminals of the resistor RL. The power amplifier 19 transmits ACcurrent information detected in the resistor RL to the error amplifier21. Other configurations are the same as those of the first PD device 4shown in FIG. 1.

According to the second PD device 4 according to the basic technology,the current sensing circuit (RL) is disposed with respect to thesecondary-side inductance L2 in the transformer 15, and the amount ofcurrent in the secondary side is detected and fed back to theprimary-side controller 30 through the error amplifier 21 and theinsulation circuit 20. Also the a second PD device 4 according to thebasic technology, the electric power information is fed back from theoutput (secondary) side to the input (primary) side, and ON/OFF of MOStransistor Q1 is controlled by the primary-side controller 30, therebystabilizing the output voltage.

The second PD device 4 according to the basic technology can control theamount of current in the secondary side. Accordingly, the variousrelationships between the output voltage V_(o) and the output currentsI_(o) can be selected in accordance with loads (e.g., smart phones,laptop PCs, tablet PCs, etc.) connected to the output.

As the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrent I_(o) obtained by using the second PD device 4 according to thebasic technology, there can be adopted various shape, e.g. a rectangularshape as shown in FIG. 3A, a fold-back shape of inverted trapezium asshown in FIG. 3B, a fold-back shape of inverted triangle as shown inFIG. 3C, a trapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 3D, and a pentagonal shapeas shown in FIG. 3E. For example, the rectangular shape shown in FIG. 3Ais an example of Constant Voltage Constant Current (CVCC).

As shown in FIG. 4, a third PD device 4 according to the basictechnology includes: a current sensing resistor RL connected in seriesbetween the diode D1 which composes the DC/DC converter 13, and theoutput, and a power amplifier 19 connected to the both terminals of theresistor RL. The power amplifier 19 can transmit DC current informationto the error amplifier 21. Other configurations are the same as those ofthe first PD device 4 shown in FIG. 1.

The third PD device 4 according to the basic technology can also controlthe amount of current in the secondary side. Accordingly, As shown inFIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E, the various relationships between theoutput voltage V_(o) and the output currents I_(o) can be selected inaccordance with loads (e.g., smart phones, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, etc.)connected to the output.

As shown in FIG. 5, a fourth PD device 4 according to the basictechnology includes: an auxiliary inductance L11 composed ofprimary-side auxiliary winding in the transformer 15, and resistors Rf1,Rf2 for feedback connected in parallel to the auxiliary inductance L11.A detected voltage detected in the resistors Rf1, Rf2 for feedback isfed back to the primary-side controller 30 through the error amplifier21 disposed in the primary side. Other configurations are the same asthose of the first PD device 4 shown in FIG. 1.

According to the second PD device 4 according to the basic technology,the amount of power is recognized in the primary side by the auxiliaryinductance L11 connected to the primary-side inductance L1 in thetransformer 15 and the resistors Rf1, Rf2 for feedback, and then is fedback to the primary-side controller 30, and ON/OFF of the MOS transistorQ1 is controlled by the primary-side controller 30, thereby stabilizingthe output voltage.

The second PD device 4 according to the basic technology is applicableto mobile phones, tablet PCs, etc. which can operate, for example, atapproximately 10 W.

First Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 6, a PD device 4A according to a first embodimentincludes: a DC/DC converter 13 disposed between an input and an output,and composed of a transformer 15, a diode D1, a capacitor C1, and a MOStransistor Q1 and a resistor RS connected in series between aprimary-side inductance L1 of the transformer 15 and a ground potential;a primary-side controller 30 configured to control the MOS transistorQ1; a power source supply circuit 10 connected between the input and theprimary-side controller 30, and configured to supply a power source tothe primary-side controller 30; a secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16which is connected to the output through the capacitor C2, and cancontrol an output voltage V_(o) and an output current I_(o); an erroramplifier 18 connected to the output of DC/DC converter 13 and thesecondary-side controller 16, and used for error compensation; and aninsulation circuit 20 connected to the error amplifier 18 and configuredto feed back output information to the primary-side controller 30.

An inductance L3 is a separating inductance. More specifically, a filtercircuit composed of the inductance L3 and a capacitor CF separates acontrol signal from the DC/DC converter so that the control signal fromthe output is not input into the DC/DC converter.

A capacitor, a photo coupler, a transformer, etc. is applicable to theinsulation circuit 20. As usage, a bidirectional transformer having aninsulated driver, a bilateral device, etc. may also be applied thereto.

In the PD device 4A according to the first embodiment, the voltage isfed back from the output. Moreover, the PD device 4A according to thefirst embodiment has an output voltage variable function.

In the PD device 4A according to the first embodiment, an AC signal issuperposed on and input into the output terminal from the outside.

In the PD device 4A according to the first embodiment, the controlsignal is input into the secondary-side controller 16 through thecapacitor C2 from the output, and the electric power information in theoutput side is fed back to the primary-side controller 30 through theerror amplifier 18 and the insulation circuit 20. The primary-sidecontroller 30 controls ON/OFF of the MOS transistor Q1, therebystabilizing the output voltage.

Moreover, in the PD device 4A according to the first embodiment, theamount of current conducted to the primary-side inductance L1 isdetected by the current sensing resistor RS, and the amount of current,e.g. a primary-side overcurrent, is controlled in the primary-sidecontroller 30.

As a consequence, the PD device 4A according to the first embodiment hasa variable function of an output voltage value and available outputcurrent capacity (MAX value).

In the PD device 4A according to the first embodiment, controlinformation is transmitted to the primary-side controller 30 through theinsulation circuit 20 from the secondary-side controller 16, and therebythe output voltage and the available output current capacity (MAX value)can be varied.

A voltage-current control circuit for controlling the output voltageV_(o) and the output current I_(o) is included in the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16.

In the PD device 4A according to the first embodiment, the variablefunction of the output voltage value and the available output currentcapacity (MAX value) of the step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 isachieved by the feedback control from the secondary-side controller (PDCHIP) 16 to the primary-side controller 30. Accordingly, therelationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the output currentsI_(o) can be varied (variable function) in accordance with loads (e.g.,smart phones, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, etc.) connected to the output.

As the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrent I_(o) obtained by using the PD device 4A according to the firstembodiment, there can be adopted various shape, e.g. a rectangular shapeas shown in FIG. 3A, an inverted trapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 3B,an inverted triangle shape as shown in FIG. 3C, a trapezoidal shape asshown in FIG. 3D, and a pentagonal shape as shown in FIG. 3E.

According to the first embodiment, there can be provided the PD devicehaving the variable function of the output voltage value and theavailable output current capacity (MAX value) of the diode rectificationand step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 achieved by the feedbackcontrol from the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 to theprimary-side controller 30.

In the PD device 4A according to the first embodiment, since thesecondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 is able to USB-connect, the PDdevice 4A according to the first embodiment can be called a USB PowerDelivery (USB PD) device.

Second Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 7, a PD device 4A according to a second embodimentincludes: a DC/DC converter 13 disposed between an input and an output,and composed of a transformer 15, a diode D1, a capacitor C1, and a MOStransistor Q1 and a resistor RS connected in series between aprimary-side inductance L1 of the transformer 15 and a ground potential;a primary-side controller 30 configured to control the MOS transistorQ1; a power source supply circuit 10 configured to supply a power sourceto the primary-side controller 30; an error amplifier 18 connected tothe output of the DC/DC converter 13, and also connected to the outputthrough the capacitor C2; and an insulation circuit 20 connected to theerror amplifier 18 and configured to feed back output information to theprimary-side controller 30. Other configurations are the same as thoseof the first embodiment.

In the PD device 4A according to the second embodiment, the AC signal issuperposed on and input into the output terminal from the outside.

In the PD device 4A according to the second embodiment, there is nosecondary-side controller 16 as provided in the first embodiment.

In the PD device 4A according to the second embodiment, the controlsignal is input directly into the error amplifier 18 and the insulationcircuit 20 through the capacitor C2 from the output, and the electricpower information in the output side is fed back, to the primary-sidecontroller 30 through the error amplifier 18 and the insulation circuit20. The primary-side controller 30 controls ON/OFF of the MOS transistorQ1, thereby stabilizing the output voltage.

In the PD device 4A according to the second embodiment, the amount ofcurrent conducted to the primary-side inductance L1 is detected by thecurrent sensing resistor RS, and the amount of current, e.g. aprimary-side overcurrent, is controlled in the primary-side controller30.

As a consequence, the PD device 4A according to the second embodimenthas a variable function of an output voltage value and available outputcurrent capacity (MAX value).

In the PD device 4A according to the second embodiment, the controlinformation is transmitted to the primary-side controller 30 through theinsulation circuit 20 and the capacitor C2 from the outside, and therebythe output voltage and the available output current capacity (MAX value)can be varied.

According to the second embodiment, the variable function of the outputvoltage value and the available output current capacity (MAX value) ofthe step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 is achieved by the feedbackcontrol to the primary-side controller 30 through the capacitor C2 andthe insulation circuit 20 from the outside. Accordingly, therelationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the output currentsI_(o) can be varied (variable function) in accordance with loads (e.g.,smart phones, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, etc.) connected to the output.

As the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrent I_(o) obtained by using the PD device 4A according to the secondembodiment, there can be adopted various shape, e.g. a rectangular shapeas shown in FIG. 3A, an inverted trapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 3B,an inverted triangle shape as shown in FIG. 3C, a trapezoidal shape asshown in FIG. 3D, and a pentagonal shape as shown in FIG. 3E.

According to the second embodiment, there can be provided the PD devicehaving the variable function of the output voltage value and theavailable output current capacity (MAX value) of the diode rectificationand step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 achieved by the feedbackcontrol to the primary-side controller 30 through the capacitor C2 andthe insulation circuit 20 from the outside.

The PD device 4A according to the second embodiment can be called merelya power delivery (PD) device since the secondary-side controller (PDCHIP) 16 can be omitted.

Third Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 8, a PD device 4A according to a third embodimentincludes an AC/DC converter connected to the AC input and composed of afuse 11, a choke coil 12, a diode rectification bridge 14, capacitorsC5, C6, C3, etc., instead of the power source supply circuit 10 as inthe first embodiment.

Moreover, an auxiliary inductance L4 composed of the primary-sideauxiliary winding in the transformer 15, and a diode D2 and a capacitorC4 connected in parallel to the auxiliary inductance L4 are providedtherein, and the DC voltage VCC is supplied from the capacitor C4 to theprimary-side controller 30.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the PD device 4A according to the thirdembodiment includes: a DC/DC converter 13 disposed between an output ofAC/DC converter and an output, and composed of a transformer 15, a diodeD1, a capacitor C1, and a MOS transistor Q1 and a resistor RS connectedin series between a primary-side inductance L1 of the transformer 15 anda ground potential; a primary-side controller 30 configured to controlthe MOS transistor Q1; a secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 which isconnected to the output through the capacitor C2, and can control anoutput voltage V_(o) and an output current I_(o); an error amplifier 18connected to the output of DC/DC converter 13 and the secondary-sidecontroller 16, and used for error compensation; and an insulationcircuit 20 connected to the error amplifier 18 and configured to feedback output information to the primary-side controller 30. Otherconfigurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In the PD device 4A according to the third embodiment, the variablefunction of the output voltage value and the available output currentcapacity (MAX value) of the step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 isachieved by the feedback control from the secondary-side controller (PDCHIP) 16 to the primary-side controller 30. Accordingly, therelationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the output currentsI_(o) can be varied (variable function) in accordance with loads (e.g.,smart phones, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, etc.) connected to the output.

As the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrent I_(o) obtained by using the PD device 4A according to the thirdembodiment, there can be adopted various shape, e.g. a rectangular shapeas shown in FIG. 3A, an inverted trapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 3B,an inverted triangle shape as shown in FIG. 3C, a trapezoidal shape asshown in FIG. 3D, and a pentagonal shape as shown in FIG. 3E.

According to the third embodiment, there can be provided the PD devicehaving the variable function of the output voltage value and theavailable output current capacity (MAX value) of the diode rectificationand step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 achieved by the feedbackcontrol from the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 to theprimary-side controller 30.

In the PD device 4A according to the third embodiment, since thesecondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 is able to USB-connect, the PDdevice 4A according to the third embodiment can be called a USB PowerDelivery (USB PD) device having the AC/DC converter function (AC/DC+USBPD).

Fourth Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 9, a PD device 4A according to a fourth embodimentincludes an AC/DC converter connected to an AC input and composed of afuse 11, a choke coil 12, a diode rectification bridge 14, capacitorsC5, C6, C3, etc., instead of the power source supply circuit 10 as inthe first embodiment, in the same manner as the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, the PD device 4A according to the fourth embodimentincludes an independent DC/DC converter 24 which is connected to theoutput of the step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 and whichincludes the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 therein.

The synchronous rectification type DC/DC converter 24 is composed of theMOS transistor Q2, the inductance L7, and the secondary-side controller(PD CHIP) 16. The secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 is connected tothe gate of the MOS transistor Q2, and the secondary-side controller (PDCHIP) 16 controls ON/OFF of the MOS transistor Q2. The inductance L7 isan inductance used for the DC/DC converter 24.

An inductance L8 is a PD separating inductance. More specifically, afilter circuit composed of the inductance L8 and a capacitor C5separates a control signal from the DC/DC converter so that the controlsignal from the output side is not input into the DC/DC converter.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the PD device 4A according to thefourth embodiment includes: ADC/DC converter 13 disposed between theoutput of the AC/DC converter and the output of the DC/DC converter, andcomposed of a transformer 15, a diode D1, a capacitor C1, and a MOStransistor Q1 and a resistor RS connected in series between aprimary-side inductance L1 of the transformer 15 and a ground potential;a primary-side controller 30 configured to control the MOS transistorQ1; a secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 which is connected to theoutput through the capacitor C2, and can control an output voltage V_(o)and an output current I_(o); an error amplifier 44 connected to theoutput of the DC/DC converter 13; and an insulation circuit 20 connectedto the error amplifier 44 and configured to feed back output informationto the primary-side controller 30. Furthermore, the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16 may be connected to the error amplifier 44 inthe same manner as the third embodiment. Other configurations are thesame as those of the third embodiment.

In the PD device 4A according to the fourth embodiment, the voltage isfed back from the output of the DC/DC converter 13. More specifically,the electric power information is fed back from the output of the DC/DCconverter 13 (secondary) side to the input (primary) side, and ON/OFF ofMOS transistor Q1 is controlled by the primary-side controller 30,thereby stabilizing the output voltage. The amount of current conductedto the primary-side inductance L1 in the transformer 15 is detected bythe current sensing resistor RS, and the amount of current of theprimary-side overcurrent is controlled in the primary-side controller30.

Moreover, in the PD device 4A according to the fourth embodiment, thevariable function of the output voltage value and the available outputcurrent capacity (MAX value) of the synchronous rectification type DC/DCconverter 24 is achieved by the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16included in the synchronous rectification type DC/DC converter 24.Accordingly, the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and theoutput currents I_(o) can be varied (variable function) in accordancewith loads (e.g., smart phones, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, etc.) connectedto the output.

As the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrent I_(o) obtained by using the PD device 4A according to the fourthembodiment, there can be adopted various shape, e.g. a rectangular shapeas shown in FIG. 3A, an inverted trapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 3B,an inverted triangle shape as shown in FIG. 3C, a trapezoidal shape asshown in FIG. 3D, and a pentagonal shape as shown in FIG. 3E.

According to the fourth embodiment, the output voltage of dioderectification and step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 is stabilizedby the feedback control from the output of step-down (buck) type DC/DCconverter to the primary-side controller 30, and the variable functionof the output voltage value and the available output current capacity(MAX value) of the synchronous rectification type DC/DC converter 24connected to the DC/DC converter 13 is achieved by the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16 included in the synchronous rectification typeDC/DC converter 24.

As a consequence, according to the fourth embodiment, there can beprovided the PD device having the variable function of the outputvoltage value and the available output current capacity (MAX value) ofthe diode rectification and step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13.

In the PD device 4A according to the fourth embodiment, since thesecondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 is able to USB-connect, the PDdevice 4A according to the fourth embodiment can be called a USB PowerDelivery (USB PD) device having the AC/DC converter function (AC/DC+USBPD).

Fifth Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 10, a PD device 4A according to a firth embodimentincludes: a DC/DC converter 13 disposed between an input and an output,and composed of a transformer 15, a diode D1, a capacitor C1, and a MOStransistor Q1 and a resistor RS connected in series between aprimary-side inductance L1 of the transformer 15 and a ground potential;a primary-side controller 30 configured to control the MOS transistorQ1; a power source supply circuit 10 connected between the input and theprimary-side controller 30, and configured to supply a power source tothe primary-side controller 30; an insulating bidirectional circuit 28connected to the output of the DC/DC converter 13, and also connected tothe output terminal through the capacitor C2; and a DC/AC componentseparating circuit 26 which is connected to the insulating bidirectionalcircuit 28 and which feeds back the electric power information in theoutput side to the primary-side controller 30.

The DC/AC component separating circuit 26 includes a Low Pass Filter(LPF) 29 and a DC component eliminating circuit 27, in the PD device 4Aaccording to the firth embodiment.

The DC information of the output of DC/DC converter is input into the DCcomponent eliminating circuit 27 and the LPF 29 in the DC/AC componentseparating circuit 26 through the insulating bidirectional circuit 28.The input AC information of the output terminal is also input into theDC component eliminating circuit 27 and the LPF 29 in the DC/ACcomponent separating circuit 26 through the capacitor C2 and theinsulating bidirectional circuit 28 from the output terminal.

The DC output of LPF 29 is fed back directly to the primary-sidecontroller 30 as DC information (FBD). The DC information (DC component)of the output of DC/DC converter is removed in the DC componenteliminating circuit 27, and only the input AC information is fed back tothe primary-side controller 30 (FBA1). The input control signal from theoutside of the output terminal is AC-superposed on the input ACinformation.

Furthermore, the output AC information (FBA2) is fed back from theprimary-side controller 30 to the output terminal through the insulatingbidirectional circuit 28 and the capacitor C2. In the presentembodiment, the output control signal is superposed on the output ACinformation (FBA2) fed back to the output terminal from the primary-sidecontroller 30.

The PD device 4A according to the firth embodiment includes a circuitconfigured to restore the input control signal included in the input ACinformation; and a circuit configured to superpose the output controlsignal on the output AC information from the primary-side controller 30,in the primary-side controller 30.

In the PD device 4A according to the firth embodiment, the input controlsignal superposed on the input AC information is input into the outputterminal from the outside. More specifically, the input control signalis input into the insulating bidirectional circuit 28 through thecapacitor C2 from the output, the electric power information is fed backto the primary-side controller 30 through the DC/AC component separatingcircuit 26 from the insulating bidirectional circuit 28, and ON/OFF ofthe MOS transistor Q1 is controlled by the primary-side controller 30,thereby stabilizing the output voltage. Moreover, the amount of currentconducted to the primary-side inductance L1 is detected by the currentsensing resistor RS, and the amount of current of the primary-sideovercurrent is controlled in the primary-side controller 30.

The insulating bidirectional circuit 28 can bidirectionally transmit theinput/output AC information with the DC information.

A bidirectional transformer having an insulated driver, a bidirectionaldevice, etc. are applicable to the insulating bidirectional circuit 28.Moreover, the insulating bidirectional circuit 28 may be composed bycombining a plurality of unidirectional circuits and unidirectionalelements.

For example, the insulating bidirectional circuit 28 may include aplurality of insulating unidirectional circuits 31, 32 as shown in FIG.11. In the present embodiment, the insulating unidirectional circuit 31can transmit the DC information and the input AC information from thesecondary side to the primary side, and the insulating unidirectionalcircuit 32 can transmit the output AC information from the primary sideto the secondary side. The plurality of the insulating unidirectionalcircuits 31, 32 are combined, thereby composing the insulatingbidirectional circuit 28 as a consequence.

In the PD device 4A according to the fifth embodiment, the controlinformation is transmitted to the primary-side controller 30 through theDC/AC component separating circuit 26 from the insulating bidirectionalcircuit 28, and thereby the output voltage and the available outputcurrent capacity (MAX value) can be varied.

In the PD device 4A according to the fifth embodiment, the variablefunction of the output voltage value and the available output currentcapacity (MAX value) of the step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 isachieved by the feedback control from the insulating bidirectionalcircuit 28 to the primary-side controller 30. Accordingly, therelationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the output currentsI_(o) can be varied (variable function) in accordance with loads (e.g.,smart phones, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, etc.) connected to the output.

As the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrent I_(o) obtained by using the PD device 4A according to the fifthembodiment, there can be adopted various shape, e.g. a rectangular shapeas shown in FIG. 3A, an inverted trapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 3B,an inverted triangle shape as shown in FIG. 3C, a trapezoidal shape asshown in FIG. 3D, and a pentagonal shape as shown in FIG. 3E.

According to the fifth embodiment, there can be provided the PD devicehaving the variable function of the output voltage value and theavailable output current capacity (MAX value) of the diode rectificationand step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 achieved by the feedbackcontrol to the primary-side controller 30 through the capacitor C2 andthe insulation circuit 20 from the insulating bidirectional circuit 28.

The PD device 4A according to the fifth embodiment can be called merelya Power Delivery (PD) device since the secondary-side controller (PDCHIP) 16 can be omitted.

Sixth Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 12, a PD device 4A according to a sixth embodimentincludes: a synchronous rectification type DC/DC converter 13 disposedbetween an input and an output, and composed of a transformer 15, a MOStransistor Q3, a capacitor C1, and a MOS transistor Q1 and a resistor RSconnected in series between a primary-side inductance L1 of thetransformer 15 and a ground potential; a primary-side controller 30configured to control the MOS transistor Q1; a power source supplycircuit 10 connected between the input and the primary-side controller30, and configured to supply a power source to the primary-sidecontroller 30; a secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 which isconnected to the output through the capacitor C2, and can control anoutput voltage V_(o) and an output current I_(o); and an insulationcircuit 20 connected to the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16, andconfigured to feed back the output information to the primary-sidecontroller 30. As shown in FIG. 6, an error amplifier 18 for errorcompensation may be disposed between the secondary-side controller (PDCHIP) 16 and the insulation circuit 20.

In the PD device 4A according to the sixth embodiment, since, thesynchronous rectification method is adopted for the DC/DC converter,instead of the diode rectification system, and thereby DC/DC powerconversion efficiency can be increased, compared with the first to fifthembodiments adapting the diode rectification system. Otherconfigurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

A voltage-current control circuit for controlling the output voltageV_(o) and the output current I_(o) is included in the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16.

In the PD device 4A according to the sixth embodiment, the variablefunction of the output voltage value and the available output currentcapacity (MAX value) of the synchronous rectification type DC/DCconverter 13 is achieved by the feedback control from the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16 to the primary-side controller 30. Accordingly,the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrents I_(o) can be varied (variable function) in accordance withloads (e.g., smart phones, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, etc.) connected tothe output.

As the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrent I_(o) obtained by using the PD device 4A according to the sixthembodiment, there can be adopted various shape, e.g. a rectangular shapeas shown in FIG. 3A, an inverted trapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 3B,an inverted triangle shape as shown in FIG. 3C, a trapezoidal shape asshown in FIG. 3D, and a pentagonal shape as shown in FIG. 3E.

According to the sixth embodiment, There can be provided the PD devicehaving the variable function of the output voltage value and theavailable output current capacity (MAX value) of the synchronousrectification type DC/DC converter 13 achieved by the feedback controlfrom the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 to the primary-sidecontroller 30.

In the PD device 4A according to the sixth embodiment, since thesecondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 is able to USB-connect, the PDdevice 4A according to the sixth embodiment can be called a USE PowerDelivery (USB PD) device.

(AC Adapter)

The PD device 4A according to the first to sixth embodiments can beincluded in an AC adapter 3, as shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C andFIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C. Moreover, the AC adapter 3 can be connected tothe USB PD device 5 disposed in the outside according to the first tosixth embodiments with a cable or a USB PD cable 6.

The AC adapter 3 including the PD device 4A according to the first tosixth embodiments can be connected to both of a plug 2 connectable to apower socket 1 and the USB PD device 5 disposed in the outside, usingthe cable, as shown in FIG. 13A.

Moreover, the AC adapter 3 including the USB PD device 4A according tothe first to sixth embodiments can be connected to the plug 2connectable to the power socket 1 using the cable, as shown in FIG. 13B.

Moreover, the AC adapter 3 including the PD device 4A according to thefirst to sixth embodiments can be connected to both of a plug 2connectable to the power socket 1 and the USB PD device 5 disposed inthe outside, using the USB PD cable 6, as shown in FIG. 13C.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 14A, the AC adapter 3 including the PD device4A according to the first to sixth embodiments can be connected to theplug 2 connectable to the power socket 1 using the USB PD cable 6; andcan be connected to the USB PD device 5 disposed on the outside usingthe cable.

Moreover, the AC adapter 3 including the PD device 4A according to thefirst to sixth embodiments can be connected to the plug 2 connectable tothe power socket 1 using the USB PD cable 6, as shown in FIG. 14B.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 14C, the AC adapter 3 including the USB PDdevice 4A according to the first to sixth embodiments can be connectedto the plug 2 connectable to the power socket 1 using the USB PD cable6; and can be connected to the USB PD device 5 disposed on the outsideusing the USB PD cable.

Moreover, the plug 2 connectable to the power socket 1 may be includedin the AC adapter 3 including the PD device 4A according to the first tosixth embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C.

The AC adapter 3 including the PD device 4A according to the first tosixth embodiments and the plug 2 connectable to the power socket 1 canbe connected to the USB PD device 5 disposed on the outside using thecable, as shown in FIG. 15A.

Moreover, the AC adapter 3 including the USB PD device 4A according tothe first to sixth embodiments and the plug 2 connectable to the powersocket 1 is illustrated as shown in FIG. 15B.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 15C, the AC adapter 3 including the USB PDdevice 4A according to the first to sixth embodiments and the plug 2connectable to the power socket 1 can be connected to the USB PD device5 disposed on the outside using the USB PD cable 6.

A plurality of the PD devices 4A according to the first to sixthembodiments can be included in the AC adapter 3, as shown in FIGS. 16A,16B and 16C. Moreover, the PD devices 4A can be connected to the USB PDdevices 51, 52 disposed in the outside according to the first to sixthembodiments with the cable or the USB PD cable 6.

As shown in FIG. 16A, the AC adapter 3 including the USB PD devices 41,42 according to the first to sixth embodiments and the plug 2connectable to the power socket 1 can be connected to the USB PD devices51, 52 disposed on the outside using the cable.

Moreover, the AC adapter 3 including the USB PD devices 41A, 42Aaccording to the first to sixth embodiments and the plug 2 connectableto the power socket 1 is illustrated as shown in FIG. 16B.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 16C, the AC adapter 3 including the USB PDdevices 41A, 42A according to the first to sixth embodiments and theplug 2 connectable to the power socket 1 can be connected to the USB PDdevices 51, 52 disposed on the outside using the USB PD cables 61, 62.

(Electronic Device)

The PD devices 41A, 42A according to the first to sixth embodiments canbe included in an electronic apparatus 7, as shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B,18A and 18B. Various devices, e.g. smart phones, laptop PCs, tablet PCs,monitors or TVs, external hard disk drives, set top boxes, cleaners,refrigerators, washing machines, telephone sets, facsimile machines,printers, laser displays, are applicable to the electronic apparatus,for example.

The electronic apparatus 7 including the PD devices 41A, 42A accordingto the first to sixth embodiments is connected to the plug 2 connectableto the power socket 1 using the cable, as shown in FIG. 17A.

Moreover, the electronic apparatus 7 may include the plug 2 connectableto the power socket 1 in the electronic apparatus 7, as shown in FIG.17B.

As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the electronic apparatus 7 includes aplurality of internal circuits 71, 72 respectively including the USB PDdevices 41A, 42A according to the first to sixth embodiments, and theUSB PD devices 41A, 42A are connected to each other using the USB PDcable 6. Since the electronic apparatus 7 includes the plurality of theinternal circuits 71, 72 including the USB PD devices 41A, 42A, thereare a plurality of signals used for the USB PD devices 41A, 42A in theelectronic apparatus 7.

The electronic apparatus 7 including the PD devices 41A, 42A accordingto the first to sixth embodiments may include the USB PD device 41connectable to other electronic apparatus disposed in the outside ofelectronic apparatus 7, in one internal circuit 72, as shown in FIG.18A.

As shown in FIG. 18B, the electronic apparatus 7 including the PDdevices 41A, 42A according to the first to sixth embodiments may includea plurality of the USB PD devices 43A, 44A connectable to otherelectronic apparatus disposed in the outside of electronic apparatus 7,in one internal circuit 72, as shown in FIG. 18A.

(Protection Function)

The PD device 4A according to the first to sixth embodiments may includea primary-side overpower Protecting circuit (OPP1) 81 as shown in FIG.19A, and a secondary-side overpower Protecting circuit (OPP2) 82connected to the primary-side overpower protecting circuit (OPP1) 81.

The primary-side overpower protecting circuit (OPP1) 81 is connected tothe primary-side controller 30. Moreover, the primary-side overpowerprotecting circuit (OPP1) 81 may be included in the primary-sidecontroller 30.

The secondary-side overpower protecting circuit (OPP2) 82 is connectedto the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16.

In FIG. 19A, although the AC/DC converter, the DC/DC converter 13, etc.are not illustrated, the configuration of the PD device 4A according tothe first to sixth embodiments as shown in FIGS. 6-12 can be appliedthereto.

In accordance with target equipments (sets) connected to the USBconnector, the electric power information in the USB connector istransmitted to the secondary-side overpower protecting circuit (OPP2) 82from the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16, and the secondary-sideoverpower protecting circuit (OPP2) 82 communicates the electric powerinformation in the output terminal to the primary-side overpowerprotecting circuit (OPP1) 81.

Consequently, an overcurrent detecting set value can be changed inaccordance with the target equipments (sets) connected to the USBconnector, thereby executing the power change of the DC/DC converter 13.

Any of the primary-side overpower protecting circuit (OPP1) 81 and thesecondary-side overpower protecting circuit (OPP2) 82 may determinewhether the electric power information in the USB connector exceeds theovercurrent detecting set value.

If any one of the primary-side overpower protecting circuit (OPP1) 81and the secondary-side overpower protecting circuit 82 (OPP2) determinesthat the electric power information in the USB connector exceeds theovercurrent (overpower) detecting set value, the primary-side overpowerprotecting circuit (OPP1) 81 can transmit the overcurrent (overpower)protecting control signal to the primary-side controller 30, therebyexecuting the change for controlling the electric power in the DC/DCconverter 13.

There are applicable functions, e.g. an OverCurrent Protection (OCP), anOverPower Protection (OPP), OverVoltage Protection (OVP), OverLoadProtection (OLP), and a Thermal Shut Down (TSD), to the PD device 4Aaccording to the first to sixth embodiments.

The PD device 4A according to the first to sixth embodiments includes asensor (SENSOR) protection function for executing protectioncorresponding to the characteristics of a certain sensor elementconnected to the primary-side controller 30, for example.

When changing the overcurrent (overpower) detecting set value in the PDdevice 4A according to the first to sixth embodiments, the electricpower information in the USB connector is transmitted to theprimary-side overpower protecting circuit (OPP1) 81 through thesecondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 and the secondary-side overpowerprotecting circuit (OPP2) 82, and the overcurrent detecting set value ischanged in accordance with the target equipments (sets) connected to theUSB connector, thereby executing the power change of the DC/DC converter13, as mentioned above.

Moreover, when changing the overcurrent (overpower) detecting set valuein the PD device 4A according to the first to sixth embodiments, theelectric power information in the USB connector may be directlytransmitted to the primary-side overpower protecting circuit (OPP1) 81from the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16, and then the set valuemay be directly changed in the primary-side overpower protecting circuit(OPP1) 81.

Moreover, the electric power information may be directly transmitted tothe primary-side overpower protecting circuit (OPP1) 81 from the PDdevice disposed in the outside of the PD device 4A according to thefirst to sixth embodiments.

Thus, according to the PD device 4A according to the first to sixthembodiments, it is possible to change the power delivery levelcorresponding to the target equipments (sets) connected to the USBconnector, in the primary-side overpower protecting circuit (OPP1) 81.Consequently, a destruction of the target equipments (sets) can beprevented under an abnormal state.

When using a smart phone 160 as a connecting target, if the electricpower information of 7 W is transmitted to the secondary-side overpowerprotecting circuit (OPP2) 82 from the secondary-side controller (PDCHIP) 16, for example, with respect to the smart phone 160 (the amountof power 5V·1 A=5 W), the electric power information of 7 W istransmitted to the primary-side overpower protecting circuit (OPP1) 81from the secondary-side overpower protecting circuit (OPP2) 82, and thenthe overcurrent (overpower) detecting set value is changed (SW) from 7 Wup to 10 W in the primary-side overpower protecting circuit (OPP1) 81.Consequently, the electric power up to 10 W can be transmitted, in theDC/DC converter in the PD device 4A according to the first to sixthembodiments.

When using a laptop PC 140 as a connecting target, if the electric powerinformation of 80 W is transmitted to the secondary-side overpowerprotecting circuit (OPP2) 82 from the secondary-side controller (PDCHIP) 16, for example, with respect to the laptop PC 140 (the amount ofpower 20V·3 A=60 W), the electric power information of 80 W istransmitted to the primary-side overpower protecting circuit (OPP1) 81from the secondary-side overpower protecting circuit (OPP2) 82, and thenthe overcurrent (overpower) detecting set value is changed (SW) from 80W up to 100 W in the primary-side overpower protecting circuit (OPP1)81. Consequently, the electric power up to 100 W can be transmitted, inthe DC/DC converter in the PD device 4A according to the first to sixthembodiments.

(Plug)

As shown in FIG. 20, a plug 85 applicable to the adapter and theelectronic apparatus mounted with the PD device (PD, USB PD) accordingto the first to sixth embodiments can be connected to the power sockethaving the AC power source, e.g., 100V-115V, and can also beUSB-connected.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 21, a plug 86 applicable to the adapter andthe electronic apparatus mounted with the PD device (PD, USB PD)according to the first to sixth embodiments can be connected to thepower socket having the AC power source, e.g., 230V, and can also beUSB-connected.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 22, a plug 87 applicable to the adapter andthe electronic apparatus mounted with the PD device (PD, USB PD)according to the first to sixth embodiments can be connected to thepower socket having the AC power source, e.g., 100V-115V, and aplurality of the USB connections can also be achieved.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 23, a plug 88 applicable to the adapter andthe electronic apparatus mounted with the PD device (PD, USB PD)according to the first to sixth embodiments can be connected to thepower socket having the AC power source, e.g., 100V-115V, and USB PDcable connection can also be achieved.

(Power Delivery System)

In the power delivery (PD) system capable of applying the PD deviceaccording to the first to sixth embodiments, the source of electricpower can be switched without changing a direction of the cable. Forexample, electric charging of a battery in a laptop PC from externaldevices and power transmission from the battery in the laptop PC toexternal devices (e.g., display etc.) can be achieved withoutreplacement of the cable.

Moreover, a half-duplex data communication with AC superposition can beachieved between two units through the USB PD cable.

In the PD system capable of applying the PD device according to thefirst to sixth embodiments, DC power delivery (DC output V_(BUS)) andUSB data communications (D⁺, D⁻, ID, etc.) can be achieved using the USBPD cable 6 between the Battery Charger System (BCS) 46 and the laptop PC140, as shown in FIG. 24A. In the present embodiment, although the PDdevice according to the first to sixth embodiments is mounted in the BCS46 and the laptop PC 140, illustration thereof is omitted.

In the PD system capable of applying the PD device according to thefirst to sixth embodiments, the DC power delivery (DC output V_(BUS))and the USB data communications (D⁺, D⁻, ID, etc.) can be transmittedalso between the smart phone 160 and the laptop PC 140 using the USB PDcable 6, in the same manner as FIG. 24A. Furthermore, as shown in FIG.24B, a transmitter (T_(X)) 50T and a receiver (R_(X)) 50R for USB datacommunications are mounted in the smart phone 160, and a transmitter(T_(X)) 52T and a receiver (R_(X)) 52R for USB data communications aremounted in the laptop PC 140. In the present embodiment, although the PDdevice according to the first to sixth embodiments is mounted in thesmart phone 160 and the laptop PC 140, illustration thereof is omitted.The transmitter (T_(X)) 50T, 52T and the receiver (R_(X)) 50R, 52R forUSB data communications are included in each secondary-side controller(PD CHIP) 16.

In the PD system capable of applying the PD device according to thefirst to sixth embodiments, FIG. 25A shows a schematic blockconfiguration illustrating the USB data communication and the powerdelivery between two personal computers PCA, PCB, a waveform in whichone-directional AC information AC1 superposed on the DC power isschematically illustrated as shown in FIG. 25B, and a waveform in whichreverse directional AC information AC2 superposed on the DC power isschematically illustrated as shown in FIG. 25B. In the presentembodiment, between the personal computers PCA, PCB is connected throughthe USB PD cable 6. Moreover, the PD device according to the first tosixth embodiments is mounted in each personal computer PCA, PCB. Theillustration of the DC/DC converter is omitted, and the secondary-sidecontrollers (PD CHIP) 16A, 16B are illustrated in FIG. 25A. As shown inFIG. 25A, a battery E and a battery charger IC (CHG) 53 connected to thebattery E are mounted in the personal computer PCA, and a PowerManagement IC (PMIC) 54 is mounted in the personal computer PCA.

In the PD system capable of applying the PD device according to thefirst to sixth embodiments, for example, electric charging of thebattery E from the personal computer PCB to the personal computer PCA,and power transmission of the battery E from the personal computer PCAto the personal computer PCB can achieved without replacement of anycable.

Moreover, the secondary-side controllers (PD CHIP) 16A, 16B areconnected to the DC output V_(BUS) with AC coupling through thecapacitor, and the half-duplex data communication with AC superpositionis achieved in between the personal computers PCA, PCB. In the presentembodiment, the carrier frequency is approximately 23.2 MHz, forexample, and the FSK modulation/demodulation frequency is approximately300 kbps, for example. In the present embodiment, the Bit Error Rate(BER) is approximately 1×10⁻⁶, and an LSI for built-in self tests (BIST)may be included therein, for example.

In the PD system capable of applying the PD device according to thefirst to sixth embodiments, FIG. 26A shows a schematic blockconfiguration illustrating the USB data communication and the powerdelivery between two units 56, 58, and a waveform in which the controlsignals SG₁₂, SG₂₁ to be bidirectionally transmitted are superposed onthe DC power is schematically illustrated as shown in FIG. 26B. The twounits 56, 58 are connected to each other through the USB PD cable 6. Thetwo units 56, 58 may be arbitrary electronic apparatus, and the PDdevice according to the first to sixth embodiments is mounted therein.The illustration of the DC/DC converter is omitted, and thesecondary-side controllers (PD CHIP) 16A, 16B are illustrated in FIG.26A.

FIG. 27 shows a schematic block configuration in which the smart phone160 is connected to the AC adapter 3 through the USB PD cable 6, in thePD system capable of applying the PD device according to the first tosixth embodiments.

The AC adapter 3 includes an AC/DC converter 60 and a USB PD 4A. Thesmart phone 160 includes a USB PD 5, a secondary-side controller (PDCHIP) 16, an embedded type controller (EMBC) 64, a CPU 68, a PMIC 54, abattery 66, and a CHG 62.

In the PD system capable of applying the PD device according to thefirst to sixth embodiments, for example, electric charging of thebattery 66 in the smart phone 160 from the AC adapter 3, and powertransmission of the battery 66 in the smart phone 160 to externaldevices can be achieved without replacement of the cables.

FIG. 28 shows a schematic block configuration in which the unit 56 andthe unit 58 are connected to each other through the USB PD cable 6, inthe PD system capable of applying the PD device according to the firstto sixth embodiments.

The unit 56 includes an AC/DC converter 60, a USB PD device 4A, and asecondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16A, and the unit 58 includes a USBPD device 5, a secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16B, and a load 70.In the present embodiment, the load 70 can be composed of a CPU, abattery BAT, a controller CTR, etc.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 28, a transmitter (T_(X)) 56T for USB datacommunications and a receiver (R_(X)) 56R are mounted in thesecondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16A, and a transmitter (T_(X)) 56Tfor USB data communications and a receiver (R_(X)) 56R are mounted inthe secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16B.

In the PD system capable of applying the PD device according to thefirst to sixth embodiments, power transmission from the unit 56 to theunit 58, and power transmission to external devices from the unit 58 canbe achieved without replacement of the cable, for example.

Moreover, the half-duplex data communication with AC superposition isachieved also in between the units 56, 58 through the USB PD cable 6.

In the PD system capable of applying the PD device according to thefirst to sixth embodiments, FIG. 29A shows a schematic blockconfiguration composed of two units 56, 58 different from theconfiguration shown in FIG. 28, and FIG. 29B shows a schematic diagramillustrating a transmission direction of the USB data and electric powertransmitted through the USB PD cable 6.

The unit 56 includes a battery E, a CPU 68A and a secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16A, and the unit 58 includes a secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16B and a load CL.

In the PD system capable of applying the PD device according to thefirst to sixth embodiments, power transmission from the unit 58 to theunit 56, and power transmission to the unit 58 from the battery E can beachieved without replacement of the cable, for example.

Moreover, the half-duplex data communication with AC superposition isachieved also in between the units 56, 58 through the USB PD cable 6.

(Power Delivery System)

As shown in FIG. 30, a first PD system 100 capable of applying the PDdevice (PD, USB PD) according to the first to sixth embodimentsincludes: a monitor 110 connected to a power socket through a plug; andan external hard disk drive 120/a set top box 130/a laptop PC 140/atablet PC 150/a smart phone 160 each connected to the monitor 110 usingthe USB PD cable.

Although the PD device (PD, USB PD) according to the first to sixthembodiments 4A is mounted in each configuring elements, the illustrationof the DC/DC converter is omitted in FIG. 30, but the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16 is illustrated in FIG. 30.

USB DATA and DC power can be transmitted between the monitor 110 and theexternal hard disk drive 120/the set top box 130/the laptop PC 140/thetablet PC 150/the smart phone 160 through the USB PD cable.

An AC/DC converter 60 is mounted in the monitor 110. A CPU/interfaceboard 122 is mounted in the external hard disk drive 120. ACPU/interface board 132 is mounted in the set top box 130. A NarrowVoltage DC/DC (NVDC) charger 142, a CPU 148, a Platform Controller Hub(PCH) 147, and an Embedded Controller (EC) 146 are mounted in the laptopPC 140. An Application CPU (ACPU) 156, a charger 158, and a battery 157are mounted in the tablet PC 150. An ACPU 166, a USB charger 162, and abattery 172 are mounted in a smart phone 160.

As shown in FIG. 31, a second PD system 200 capable of applying the PDdevice (PD, USB PD) according to the first to sixth embodimentsincludes: a USB PD adapter 230 connected to a power socket through aplug; a laptop PC 140 connected to the USB PD adapter 230 using the USBPD cable; and an external hard disk drive 120/a monitor 110/a tablet PC150/a smart phone 160 each connected to the laptop PC 140 using the USBPD cable.

Although the PD device (PD, USB PD) according to the first to sixthembodiments 4A is mounted in each configuring elements, the illustrationof the DC/DC converter is omitted in FIG. 31, but the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16 is illustrated in FIG. 31.

The USB DATA and the DC power can be transmitted between the laptop PC140 and the external hard disk drive 120/the monitor 110/the tablet PC150/the smart phone 160 through the USB PD cable.

An NVDC charger 142, a CPU 148, a PCH 147, an EC 146, a battery 154, aDC/DC converter 159, and PD CHIPs 16 ₁, 16 ₂ are mounted in the laptopPC 140. A PMIC 112 is mounted in the monitor 110. Other configurationsare the same as that of the first PD system 100 (FIG. 30).

As shown in FIG. 32, a third PD system 300 capable of applying the PDdevice (PD, USB PD) according to the first to sixth embodimentsincludes: a USB PD adapter (USB PD charger) 310 connected to a powersocket through a plug; and an external hard disk drive 120/a monitor110/a set top box 130/a laptop PC 140/a tablet PC 150/a smart phone 160each connected to the USB PD adapter (USB PD charger) 310 using the USBPD cable.

Although the PD device (PD, USB PD) according to the first to sixthembodiments 4A is mounted in each configuring elements, the illustrationof the DC/DC converter is omitted in FIG. 32, but the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16 is illustrated in FIG. 32.

The USB DATA and the DC power can be transmitted between the USB PDadapter 310 (USB PD charger) and the external hard disk drive 120/themonitor 110/the set top box 130/the laptop PC 140/the tablet PC 150/thesmart phone 160 through the USB PD cable.

The AC/DC converter 60 is mounted in the USB PD adapter (USB PD charger)310. Other configurations are the same as those of the first PD system100 (FIG. 30) and the second PD system 200 (FIG. 31).

As shown in FIG. 33, a fourth PD system 400 capable of applying the PDdevice (PD, USB PD) according to the first to sixth embodimentsincludes: a high-performance USB PD adapter/charger 330 connected to apower socket through a plug; and an external hard disk drive 120/amonitor 110/a set top box 130/a laptop PC 140/a tablet PC 150/a smartphone 160 each connected to the high-performance USB PD adapter/charger330 using the USB PD cable.

Although the PD device (PD, USB PD) according to the first to sixthembodiments 4A is mounted in each configuring elements, the illustrationof the DC/DC converter is omitted in FIG. 32, but the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16 is illustrated in FIG. 32.

The USB DATA and the DC power can be transmitted between thehigh-performance USB PD adapter/charger 330 and the external hard diskdrive 120/the monitor 110/the set top box 130/the laptop PC 140/thetablet PC 150/the smart phone 160 through the USB PD cable.

The AC/DC converter 60A including a synchronous FET switching converteris mounted in the high-performance USB PD adapter/charger 330. Otherconfigurations are the same as that of the third PD system 300 (FIG.32).

A usage example of the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) applicable tothe PD device according to the first to sixth embodiments is illustratedas shown in FIGS. 36, 37 and 38.

The PD CHIP 16C applicable in a consumer mode for receiving the powersupplied from connecting target devices (sets) is connected to thelaptop PC 140 connected to the AC adapter 230, as shown in FIG. 34. Thelaptop PC 140 can be further connected to the smart phone 160, and thesmart phone 160 can also be connected to the AC adapter 230.

The PD CHIP 16P applicable in a provider mode for delivering (providing)electric power to the connecting target devices (sets) is connected tothe laptop PC 140, as shown in FIG. 35. The laptop PC 140 can be furtherconnected to the monitor 110 and the smart phone 160.

The PD CHIP 16D applicable in a dual role mode of both of the consumermode and the provider mode is connected to the laptop PC 140 connectedto the AC adapter 230, as shown in FIG. 36. The laptop PC 140 can befurther connected to the smart phone 160.

The PD CHIP 16D applicable in the dual role mode can be connected to thelaptop PC 140A connected to connected to the AC adapter 230, and can befurther connected to the laptop PC 140B connected to the smart phone160, as shown in FIG. 37.

As shown in FIG. 38, the PD CHIP 16P applicable in the provider mode fordelivering (providing) electric power to the connecting target devices(sets) may be connected to the AC adapter 230, and the AC adapter 230may be connected to the laptop PC 140 and the smart phone 160.

Seventh Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 39A, a PD device 4A according to a seventh embodimentincludes: a DC/DC converter 13 disposed between an input and an output,and composed of a transformer 15, a diode D1, a capacitor C1, and a MOStransistor Q1 and a resistor RS connected in series between aprimary-side inductance L1 of the transformer 15 and a ground potential;a primary-side controller 30 configured to control the MOS transistorQ1; a power source supply circuit 10 connected between the input and theprimary-side controller 30, and configured to supply a power source tothe primary-side controller 30; an insulating bidirectional circuit 34connected to the output of the DC/DC converter 13, and also connected tothe output terminal through the capacitor C2; and a DC/AC componentseparating circuit 32 which is connected to the insulating bidirectionalcircuit 34 and which feeds back the electric power information in theoutput side to the primary-side controller 30.

In the seventh embodiment, the insulating bidirectional circuit 34achieves DC feedback and AC signal separation with feedback control fromthe insulating bidirectional circuit 34 to the primary-side controller30.

An inductance L3 is a separating inductance. More specifically, a filtercircuit composed of the inductance L3 and a capacitor CF separates acontrol signal from the DC/DC converter so that the control signal fromthe output is not input into the DC/DC converter.

In the PD device 4A according to the seventh embodiment, the voltage isfed back from the output. Moreover, the PD device 4A according to theseventh embodiment has an output voltage variable function.

In the PD device 4A according to the seventh embodiment, the AC signalis superposed on and input into the output terminal from the outside.

In the PD device 4A according to the seventh embodiment, the controlsignal is input into the insulating bidirectional circuit 34 through thecapacitor C2 from the output, and the electric power information in theoutput side is fed back to the primary-side controller 30 through theDC/AC component separating circuit 32. The primary-side controller 30controls ON/OFF of the MOS transistor Q1, thereby stabilizing the outputvoltage.

The DC/AC component separating circuit 32 includes a Low Pass Filter(LPF) 36 and a DC component eliminating circuit 38, in the PD device 4Aaccording to the seventh embodiment.

The DC information of the output of DC/DC converter is input into the DCcomponent eliminating circuit 38 and the LPF 36 in the DC/AC componentseparating circuit 32 through the insulating bidirectional circuit 34.The input AC information of the output terminal is also input into theDC component eliminating circuit 38 and the LPF 36 in the DC/ACcomponent separating circuit 32 through the capacitor C2 and theinsulating bidirectional circuit 34 from the output terminal.

The DC output of LPF 36 is fed back directly to the primary-sidecontroller 30 as DC information (FBD). The DC information (DC component)of the output of DC/DC converter is removed in the DC componenteliminating circuit 38, and only the input AC information is fed back tothe primary-side controller 30 (FBA1). The input control signal from theoutside of the output terminal is AC-superposed on the input ACinformation.

Furthermore, the output AC information (FBA2) is fed back from theprimary-side controller 30 to the output terminal through the insulatingbidirectional circuit 34 and the capacitor C2. In the presentembodiment, the output control signal is superposed on the output ACinformation (FBA2) fed back to the output terminal from the primary-sidecontroller 30.

The PD device 4A according to the seventh embodiment includes: a circuitconfigured to restore the input control signal included in the input ACinformation; and a circuit configured to superpose the output controlsignal on the output AC information from the primary-side controller 30,in the primary-side controller 30.

In the PD device 4A according to the seventh embodiment, the inputcontrol signal superposed on the input AC information is input into theoutput terminal from the outside. More specifically, the input controlsignal is input into the insulating bidirectional circuit 24 through thecapacitor C2 from the output, the electric power information is fed backto the primary-side controller 30 through the DC/AC component separatingcircuit 32 from the insulating bidirectional circuit 34, and ON/OFF ofthe MOS transistor Q1 is controlled by the primary-side controller 30,thereby stabilizing the output voltage. Moreover, the amount of currentconducted to the primary-side inductance L1 is detected by the currentsensing resistor RS, and the amount of current of the primary-sideovercurrent is controlled in the primary-side controller 30.

The insulating bidirectional circuit 34 can bidirectionally transmit theinput/output AC information with the DC information.

A bidirectional transformer having an insulated driver, a bidirectionaldevice, etc. are applicable to the insulating bidirectional circuit 34.Moreover, the insulating bidirectional circuit 34 may be composed bycombining a plurality of unidirectional circuits and unidirectionalelements.

For example, the insulating bidirectional circuit 34 may include aplurality of insulating unidirectional circuits 35, 37 as shown in FIG.39B. In the present embodiment, the insulating unidirectional circuit 35can transmit the DC information and the input AC information from thesecondary side to the primary side, and the insulating unidirectionalcircuit 37 can transmit the output AC information from the primary sideto the secondary side. The plurality of the insulating unidirectionalcircuits 35, 37 are combined, thereby composing the insulatingbidirectional circuit 34 as a consequence.

In the PD device 4A according to the seventh embodiment, the controlinformation is transmitted to the primary-side controller 30 through theDC/AC component separating circuit 32 from the insulating bidirectionalcircuit 34, and thereby the output voltage and the available outputcurrent capacity (MAX value) can be varied.

In the PD device 4A according to the seventh embodiment, the variablefunction of the output voltage value and the available output currentcapacity (MAX value) of the step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 isachieved by the feedback control from the insulating bidirectionalcircuit 34 to the primary-side controller 30. Accordingly, therelationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the output currentsI_(o) can be varied (variable function) in accordance with loads (e.g.,smart phones, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, etc.) connected to the output.

As the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrent I_(o) obtained by using the PD device 4A according to theseventh embodiment, there can be adopted various shape, e.g. arectangular shape as shown in FIG. 3A, an inverted trapezoidal shape asshown in FIG. 3B, an inverted triangle shape as shown in FIG. 3C, atrapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 3D, and a pentagonal shape as shownin FIG. 3E.

According to the seventh embodiment, there can be provided the PD devicehaving the variable function of the output voltage value and theavailable output current capacity (MAX value) of the diode rectificationand step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 achieved by the feedbackcontrol to the primary-side controller 30 through the capacitor C2 andthe insulation circuit 20 from the insulating bidirectional circuit 34.

The PD device 4A according to the seventh embodiment can be calledmerely a power delivery (PD) device since the secondary-side controller(PD CHIP) 16 can be omitted.

Eighth Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 40, a PD device 4A according to an eighth embodimentincludes: a DC/DC converter 13 disposed between an input and an output,and composed of a transformer 15, a diode D1, a capacitor C1, and a MOStransistor Q1 and a resistor RS connected in series between aprimary-side inductance L1 of the transformer 15 and a ground potential;a primary-side controller 30 configured to control the MOS transistorQ1; a power source supply circuit 10 connected between the input and theprimary-side controller 30, and configured to supply a power source tothe primary-side controller 30; a secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16connected to the output of the DC/DC converter 13, and also connected tothe output terminal through the capacitor C2; an insulatingbidirectional circuit 34 connected to the output of the DC/DC converter13, and also connected to the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16;and a DC/AC component separating circuit 32 which is connected to theinsulating bidirectional circuit 34 and which feeds back the electricpower information in the output side to the primary-side controller 30.Other configurations are the same as those of the seventh embodiment.

In the eighth embodiment, the insulating bidirectional circuit 34achieves DC feedback and AC signal separation with feedback control fromthe insulating bidirectional circuit 34 to the primary-side controller30, in the same manner as the seventh embodiment.

A voltage-current control circuit for controlling the output voltageV_(o) and the output current I_(o) is included in the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16.

In the PD device 4A according to the eighth embodiment, the variablefunction of the output voltage value and the available output currentcapacity (MAX value) of the step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 isachieved by the feedback control from the secondary-side controller (PDCHIP) 16 to the primary-side controller 30. Accordingly, therelationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the output currentsI_(o) can be varied (variable function) in accordance with loads (e.g.,smart phones, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, etc.) connected to the output.

As the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrent I_(o) obtained by using the PD device 4A according to the eighthembodiment, there can be adopted various shape, e.g. a rectangular shapeas shown in FIG. 3A, an inverted trapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 3B,an inverted triangle shape as shown in FIG. 3C, a trapezoidal shape asshown in FIG. 3D, and a pentagonal shape as shown in FIG. 3E.

According to the eighth embodiment, there can be provided the PD devicehaving the variable function of the output voltage value and theavailable output current capacity (MAX value) of the diode rectificationsystem and step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 achieved by thefeedback control from the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 to theprimary-side controller 30.

In the PD device 4A according to the eighth embodiment, since thesecondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 is able to USB-connect, the PDdevice 4A according to the eighth embodiment can be called a USB PowerDelivery (USB PD) device.

Ninth Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 41, a PD device 4A according to a ninth embodimentincludes: a synchronous rectification type DC/DC converter 13 disposedbetween an input and an output, and composed of a transformer 15, a MOStransistor Q3, a capacitor C1, and a MOS transistor Q1 and a resistor RSconnected in series between a primary-side inductance L1 of thetransformer 15 and a ground potential; a primary-side controller 30configured to control the MOS transistor Q1; a power source supplycircuit 10 connected between the input and the primary-side controller30, and configured to supply a power source to the primary-sidecontroller 30; a secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 connected to theoutput of the DC/DC converter 13, and also connected to the outputterminal through the capacitor C2; an insulating bidirectional circuit34 connected to the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16; and a DC/ACcomponent separating circuit 32 which is connected to the insulatingbidirectional circuit 34 and which feeds back the electric powerinformation in the output side to the primary-side controller 30.

The MOS transistor Q3 included in the synchronous rectification typeDC/DC converter 13 has ON/OFF controlled by the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16.

Moreover, the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 can control theoutput voltage V_(o) and the output current I_(o).

The PD device 4A according to the ninth embodiment can improve the DC/DCpower conversion efficiency compared with the seventh to eighthembodiments having the diode rectification system since thesynchronizing rectification method is used for the DC/DC converterinstead of the diode rectification system. Other configurations are thesame as those of the seventh embodiment.

A voltage-current control circuit for controlling the output voltageV_(o) and the output current I_(o) is included in the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16.

In also the ninth embodiment, the insulating bidirectional circuit 34achieves DC feedback and AC signal separation with feedback control fromthe insulating bidirectional circuit 34 to the primary-side controller30, in the same manner as the seventh to eighth embodiments.

In the PD device 4A according to the ninth embodiment, the variablefunction of the output voltage value and the available output currentcapacity (MAX value) of the synchronous rectification type DC/DCconverter 13 is achieved by the feedback control from the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16 to the primary-side controller 30. Accordingly,the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrents I_(o) can be varied (variable function) in accordance withloads (e.g., smart phones, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, etc.) connected tothe output.

As the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrent I_(o) obtained by using the PD device 4A according to the ninthembodiment, there can be adopted various shape, e.g. a rectangular shapeas shown in FIG. 3A, an inverted trapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 3B,an inverted triangle shape as shown in FIG. 3C, a trapezoidal shape asshown in FIG. 3D, and a pentagonal shape as shown in FIG. 3E.

According to the ninth embodiment, there can be provided the PD devicehaving the variable function of the output voltage value and theavailable output current capacity (MAX value) of the synchronousrectification type DC/DC converter 13 achieved by the feedback controlfrom the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 to the primary-sidecontroller 30.

In the PD device 4A according to the ninth embodiment, since thesecondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 is able to USB-connect, the PDdevice 4A according to the ninth embodiment can be called a USB PowerDelivery (USB PD) device.

Tenth Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 42, a PD device 4A according to a tenth embodimentincludes an AC/DC converter connected to the AC input and composed of afuse 11, a choke coil 12, a diode rectification bridge 14, capacitorsC5, C6, C3, etc., instead of the power source supply circuit 10 as inthe ninth embodiment.

Moreover, an auxiliary inductance L4 composed of the primary-sideauxiliary winding in the transformer 15, and a diode D2 and a capacitorC4 connected in parallel to the auxiliary inductance L4 are providedtherein, and the DC voltage VCC is supplied from the capacitor C4 to theprimary-side controller 30.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 42, the PD device 4A according to thetenth embodiment includes: a synchronous rectification type DC/DCconverter 13 disposed between an output of AC/DC converter and theoutput, and composed of a transformer 15, a MOS transistor Q3, acapacitor C1, and a MOS transistor Q1 and a resistor RS connected inseries between a primary-side inductance L1 of the transformer 15 and aground potential; a primary-side controller 30 configured to control theMOS transistor Q1; a secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 connected tothe output of the DC/DC converter 13, and also connected to the outputterminal through the capacitor C2; an insulating bidirectional circuit34 connected to the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16; and a DC/ACcomponent separating circuit 32 which is connected to the insulatingbidirectional circuit 34 and which feeds back the electric powerinformation in the output side to the primary-side controller 30.

The MOS transistor Q3 included in the synchronous rectification typeDC/DC converter 13 has ON/OFF controlled by the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16.

Moreover, the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 can control theoutput voltage V_(o) and the output current I°.

The PD device 4A according to the tenth embodiment can improve the DC/DCpower conversion efficiency compared with the seventh to eighthembodiments having the diode rectification system since thesynchronizing rectification method is used for the DC/DC converterinstead of the diode rectification system. Other configurations are thesame as those of the seventh embodiment.

A voltage-current control circuit for controlling the output voltageV_(o) and the output current I_(o) is included in the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16.

In also the tenth embodiment, the insulating bidirectional circuit 34achieves DC feedback and AC signal separation with feedback control fromthe insulating bidirectional circuit 34 to the primary-side controller30, in the same manner as the seventh to ninth embodiments.

In the PD device 4A according to the tenth embodiment, the variablefunction of the output voltage value and the available output currentcapacity (MAX value) of the synchronous rectification type DC/DCconverter 13 is achieved by the feedback control from the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16 to the primary-side controller 30. Accordingly,the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrents I_(o) can be varied (variable function) in accordance withloads (e.g., smart phones, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, etc.) connected tothe output.

As the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrent I_(o) obtained by using the PD device 4A according to the tenthembodiment, there can be adopted various shape, e.g. a rectangular shapeas shown in FIG. 3A, an inverted trapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 3B,an inverted triangle shape as shown in FIG. 3C, a trapezoidal shape asshown in FIG. 3D, and a pentagonal shape as shown in FIG. 3E.

According to the tenth embodiment, there can be provided the PD devicehaving the variable function of the output voltage value and theavailable output current capacity (MAX value) of the synchronousrectification type and step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 achievedby the feedback control from the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16to the primary-side controller 30.

In the PD device 4A according to the tenth embodiment, since thesecondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 is able to USB-connect, the PDdevice 4A according to the tenth embodiment can be called a USB PowerDelivery (USB PD) device having the AC/DC converter function (AC/DC+USBPD).

Eleventh Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 43, a PD device 4A according to an eleventh embodimentincludes an AC/DC converter connected to the AC input and composed of afuse 11, a choke coil 12, a diode rectification bridge 14, capacitorsC5, C6, C3, etc., instead of the power source supply circuit 10 as inthe seventh embodiment.

Moreover, an auxiliary inductance L4 composed of the primary-sideauxiliary winding in the transformer 15, and a diode D2 and a capacitorC4 connected in parallel to the auxiliary inductance L4 are providedtherein, and the DC voltage VCC is supplied from the capacitor C4 to theprimary-side controller 30.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 43, the PD device 4A according to theeleventh embodiment includes: a DC/DC converter 13 disposed between anoutput of AC/DC converter and an output, and composed of a transformer15, a diode D1, a capacitor C1, and a MOS transistor Q1 and a resistorRS connected in series between a primary-side inductance L1 of thetransformer 15 and a ground potential; a primary-side controller 30configured to control the MOS transistor Q1; an insulating bidirectionalcircuit 34 connected to the output of the DC/DC converter 13, and alsoconnected to the output terminal through the capacitor C2; and a DC/ACcomponent separating circuit 32 which is connected to the insulatingbidirectional circuit 34 and which feeds back the electric powerinformation in the output side to the primary-side controller 30.

In also the tenth embodiment, the insulating bidirectional circuit 34achieves DC feedback and AC signal separation with feedback control fromthe insulating bidirectional circuit 34 to the primary-side controller30, in the same manner as the seventh to tenth embodiments.

In the PD device 4A according to the eleventh embodiment, the variablefunction of the output voltage value and the available output currentcapacity (MAX value) of the step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 isachieved by the feedback control from the insulating bidirectionalcircuit 34 to the primary-side controller 30. Accordingly, therelationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the output currentsI_(o) can be varied (variable function) in accordance with loads (e.g.,smart phones, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, etc.) connected to the output.

As the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrent I_(o) obtained by using the PD device 4A according to theeleventh embodiment, there can be adopted various shape, e.g. arectangular shape as shown in FIG. 3A, an inverted trapezoidal shape asshown in FIG. 3B, an inverted triangle shape as shown in FIG. 3C, atrapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 3D, and a pentagonal shape as shownin FIG. 3E.

According to the eleventh embodiment, there can be provided the PDdevice having the variable function of the output voltage value and theavailable output current capacity (MAX value) of the diode rectificationand step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 achieved by the feedbackcontrol to the primary-side controller 30 through the capacitor C2 andthe insulation circuit 20 from the insulating bidirectional circuit 34.

In the PD device 4A according to the eleventh embodiment, since thesecondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 is able to USB-connect, the PDdevice 4A according to the tenth embodiment can be called a USB PowerDelivery (USB PD) device having the AC/DC converter function (AC/DC+USBPD).

Twelfth Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 44, a PD device 4A according to a twelfth embodimentincludes an AC/DC converter connected to the AC input and composed of afuse 11, a choke coil 12, a diode rectification bridge 14, capacitorsC5, C6, C3, etc., instead of the power source supply circuit 10 as inthe eighth embodiment.

Moreover, an auxiliary inductance L4 composed of the primary-sideauxiliary winding in the transformer 15, and a diode D2 and a capacitorC4 connected in parallel to the auxiliary inductance L4 are providedtherein, and the DC voltage VCC is supplied from the capacitor C4 to theprimary-side controller 30.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 44, the PD device 4A according to thetwelfth embodiment includes: a DC/DC converter 13 disposed between anoutput of AC/DC converter and an output, and composed of a transformer15, a diode D1, a capacitor C1, and a MOS transistor Q1 and a resistorRS connected in series between a primary-side inductance L1 of thetransformer 15 and a ground potential; a primary-side controller 30configured to control the MOS transistor Q1; a secondary-side controller(PD CHIP) 16 connected to the output of the DC/DC converter 13, and alsoconnected to the output terminal through the capacitor C2; an insulatingbidirectional circuit 34 connected to the secondary-side controller (PDCHIP) 16; and a DC/AC component separating circuit 32 which is connectedto the insulating bidirectional circuit 34 and which feeds back theelectric power information in the output side to the primary-sidecontroller 30. Moreover, the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 cancontrol the output voltage V_(o) and the output current I_(o). Otherconfigurations are the same as those of the seventh embodiment.

A voltage-current control circuit for controlling the output voltageV_(o) and the output current I_(o) is included in the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16.

In also the twelfth embodiment, the insulating bidirectional circuit 34achieves DC feedback and AC signal separation with feedback control fromthe insulating bidirectional circuit 34 to the primary-side controller30, in the same manner as the seventh to eleventh embodiments.

In the PD device 4A according to the twelfth embodiment, the variablefunction of the output voltage value and the available output currentcapacity (MAX value) of the step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 isachieved by the feedback control from the secondary-side controller (PDCHIP) 16 to the primary-side controller 30. Accordingly, therelationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the output currentsI_(o) can be varied (variable function) in accordance with loads (e.g.,smart phones, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, etc.) connected to the output.

As the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrent I_(o) obtained by using the PD device 4A according to thetwelfth embodiment, there can be adopted various shape, e.g. arectangular shape as shown in FIG. 3A, an inverted trapezoidal shape asshown in FIG. 3B, an inverted triangle shape as shown in FIG. 3C, atrapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 3D, and a pentagonal shape as shownin FIG. 3E.

According to the twelfth embodiment, there can be provided the PD devicehaving the variable function of the output voltage value and theavailable output current capacity (MAX value) of the diode rectificationsystem and step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 achieved by thefeedback control from the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 to theprimary-side controller 30.

In the PD device 4A according to the twelfth embodiment, since thesecondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 is able to USB-connect, the PDdevice 4A according to the twelfth embodiment can be called a USB PowerDelivery (USB PD) device having the AC/DC converter function (AC/DC+USBPD).

Thirteenth Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 45, a PD device 4A according to a thirteenth embodimentincludes an AC/DC converter connected to the AC input and composed of afuse 11, a choke coil 12, a diode rectification bridge 14, capacitorsC5, C6, C3, etc. instead of the power source supply circuit 10 as in theseventh embodiment, in the same manner as the tenth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 45, the PD device 4A according to the thirteenthembodiment includes an independent DC/DC converter 24 which is connectedto the output of the step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 and whichincludes the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 therein.

The synchronous rectification type DC/DC converter 24 is composed of theMOS transistor Q2, the inductance L7, and the secondary-side controller(PD CHIP) 16. The secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 is connected tothe gate of the MOS transistor Q2, and the secondary-side controller (PDCHIP) 16 controls ON/OFF of the MOS transistor Q2. The inductance L7 isan inductance used for the DC/DC converter 24.

An inductance L8 is a PD separating inductance. More specifically, afilter circuit composed of the inductance L8 and a capacitor C5separates a control signal from the DC/DC converter so that the controlsignal from the output side is not input into the DC/DC converter.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 45, the PD device 4A according to thethirteenth embodiment includes: A DC/DC converter 13 disposed betweenthe output of the AC/DC converter and the output of the DC/DC converter,and composed of a transformer 15, a diode D1, a capacitor C1, and a MOStransistor Q1 and a resistor RS connected in series between aprimary-side inductance L1 of the transformer 15 and a ground potential;a primary-side controller 30 configured to control the MOS transistorQ1; a secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 which is connected to theoutput through the capacitor C2, and can control an output voltage V_(o)and an output current I_(o); an insulating bidirectional circuit 34connected to the output of DC/DC converter 13, and also connected to theDC/DC converter 24; and a DC/AC component separating circuit 32 which isconnected to the insulating bidirectional circuit 34 and which feedsback the electric power information in the output side to theprimary-side controller 30. Other configurations are the same as thoseof the tenth embodiment.

In the PD device 4A according to the thirteenth embodiment, the voltageis fed back from the output of the DC/DC converter 13. Morespecifically, the electric power information is fed back from the outputof the DC/DC converter 13 (secondary) side to the input (primary) side,and ON/OFF of MOS transistor Q1 is controlled by the primary-sidecontroller 30, thereby stabilizing the output voltage. The amount ofcurrent conducted to the primary-side inductance L1 in the transformer15 is detected by the current sensing resistor RS, and the amount ofcurrent of the primary-side overcurrent is controlled in theprimary-side controller 30.

In the PD device 4A according to the thirteenth embodiment, the variablefunction of the output voltage value and the available output currentcapacity (MAX value) of the synchronous rectification type DC/DCconverter 24 is achieved by the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16included in the synchronous rectification type DC/DC converter 24.Accordingly, the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and theoutput currents I_(o) can be varied (variable function) in accordancewith loads (e.g., smart phones, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, etc.) connectedto the output.

As the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrent I_(o) obtained by using the PD device 4A according to thethirteenth embodiment, there can be adopted various shape, e.g. arectangular shape as shown in FIG. 3A, an inverted trapezoidal shape asshown in FIG. 3B, an inverted triangle shape as shown in FIG. 3C, atrapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 3D, and a pentagonal shape as shownin FIG. 3E.

According to the thirteenth embodiment, the output voltage of dioderectification and step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 is stabilizedby the feedback control from the output of step-down (buck) type DC/DCconverter to the primary-side controller 30, and the variable functionof the output voltage value and the available output current capacity(MAX value) of the synchronous rectification type DC/DC converter 24connected to the DC/DC converter 13 is achieved by the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16 included in the synchronous rectification typeDC/DC converter 24.

As a consequence, according to the thirteenth embodiment, there can beprovided the PD device having the variable function of the outputvoltage value and the available output current capacity (MAX value) ofthe diode rectification and step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13.

In the PD device 4A according to the thirteenth embodiment, since thesecondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 is able to USB-connect, the PDdevice 4A according to the thirteenth embodiment can be called a USBPower Delivery (USB PD) device having the AC/DC converter function(AC/DC+USB PD).

Fourteenth Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 46, a PD device 4A according to a fourteenth embodimentincludes: a DC/DC converter 13 disposed between a first terminal and asecond terminal, and composed of a transformer 15, a diode D1, acapacitor C1, and a MOS transistor Q1 and a resistor RS connected inseries between a primary-side inductance L1 of the transformer 15 and aground potential; a primary-side controller 30 configured to control theMOS transistor Q1; A power source supply circuit 10 connected betweenthe first terminal and the primary-side controller 30, and configured tosupply a power source to the primary-side controller 30; an insulatingbidirectional circuit 34A which is connected to the second terminal andfeeds back second terminal information to the primary-side controller30; a capacitor CA for AC coupling connected to between the insulatingbidirectional circuit 34A and the primary-side controllers 30; and a lowpass filter (LPF) 36A connected to between the insulating bidirectionalcircuit 34A and the primary-side controllers 30. In the presentembodiment, the LPF 36A may be included in the primary-side controller30.

In the fourteenth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 47, the DC feedback andthe AC signal common are achieved by the capacitor CA, the LPF 36A andthe insulating bidirectional circuit 34A disposed between theprimary-side controller 30 and the second terminal.

In the PD device 4A according to the seventh embodiment, the AC signalis superposed on and input into the second terminal from the outside.

The AC signal input into the second terminal from the outside is fedback to the primary-side controller 30 through the insulatingbidirectional circuit 34A and the capacitor CA from the second terminal.The AC signal fed back to the primary-side controller 30 conducts on aconnection line 30B between the primary-side controller 30 and theinsulating bidirectional circuit 34A.

The DC signal in the second terminal is fed back to the primary-sidecontroller 30 through the insulating bidirectional circuit 34A and theLPF 36A from the second terminal. The DC signal fed back to theprimary-side controller 30 conducts on a connection line 30A between theprimary-side controller 30 and the LPF 36A. The DC signal fed back tothe primary-side controller 30 is input into an error amplifier 30Edisposed in the primary-side controller 30, as shown in FIG. 46.

On the other hand, the AC signal transmitted to the second terminal fromthe primary-side controller 30 (control signal to the connecting targets(set devices) connected to the outside) is transmitted to the secondterminal through the capacitor CA and the insulating bidirectionalcircuit 34A from the primary-side controller 30.

On the basis of the fed back DC signal and the fed back AC signal, theprimary-side controller 30 controls ON/OFF of the MOS transistor Q1,thereby stabilizing the output voltage.

Moreover, in the PD device 4A according to the fourteenth embodiment,the amount of current conducted to the primary-side inductance L1 isdetected by the current sensing resistor RS, and the amount of current,e.g. a primary-side overcurrent, is controlled in the primary-sidecontroller 30.

As a consequence, the PD device 4A according to the fourteenthembodiment has a variable function of an output voltage value andavailable output current capacity (MAX value) by the primary-sidecontroller 30.

In the PD device 4A according to the fourteenth embodiment, the controlinformation is transmitted to the primary-side controller 30 through theinsulating bidirectional circuit 34A and the LPF 36A from the secondterminal, and thereby the output voltage and the available outputcurrent capacity (MAX value) can be varied.

An inductance L3 is a separating inductance. More specifically, a filtercircuit composed of the inductance L3 and a capacitor C1 separates acontrol signal from the DC/DC converter so that the control signal fromthe second terminal is not input into the DC/DC converter 13.

A capacitor, a photo coupler, a transformer, etc. is applicable to theinsulating bidirectional circuit 34A. As usage, a bidirectionaltransformer having an insulated driver, a bilateral device, etc. mayalso be applied thereto.

In the PD device 4A according to the fourteenth embodiment, the variablefunction of the output voltage value and the available output currentcapacity (MAX value) of the step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 isachieved by the feedback control to the primary-side controller 30through the insulating bidirectional circuit 34A and the LPF 36A fromthe second terminal. Accordingly, the relationship between the outputvoltage V_(o) and the output currents I_(o) can be varied (variablefunction) in accordance with loads (e.g., smart phones, laptop PCs,tablet PCs, etc.) connected to the second terminal.

As the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrent I_(o) obtained by using the PD device 4A according to thefourteenth embodiment, there can be adopted various shape, e.g. arectangular shape as shown in FIG. 3A, an inverted trapezoidal shape asshown in FIG. 3B, an inverted triangle shape as shown in FIG. 3C, atrapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 3D, and a pentagonal shape as shownin FIG. 3E.

According to the fourteenth embodiment, there can be provided the PDdevice having the variable function of the output voltage value and theavailable output current capacity (MAX value) of the diode rectificationand step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13, achieved by the feedbackcontrol to the primary-side controller 30 from the second terminalthrough the insulating bidirectional circuit 34A and the LPF 36A.

In the PD device 4A according to the fourteenth embodiment, theinsulating bidirectional circuit 34A includes a plurality of insulatingunidirectional circuits 35, 37, as shown in FIG. 48A. As shown in FIG.48A, the insulating simplex transmission of AC+DC signal from the secondterminal to the primary-side controller 30 is available in theinsulating unidirectional circuit 35, and the insulating simplextransmission of AC+DC signal from the second terminal to theprimary-side controller 30 is available in the insulating unidirectionalcircuit 37.

Moreover, in the PD device 4A according to the fourteenth embodiment,the insulating bidirectional circuit 34A includes a plurality ofinsulating unidirectional circuits 35, 37 and capacitors C_(i1), C_(i2),as shown in FIGS. 48B and 48C. As shown in FIGS. 48B and 48C, theinsulating simplex transmission of the AC signal from the secondterminal to the primary-side controller 30 is available in theinsulating unidirectional circuit 35 and the capacitor C_(i1), and theinsulating simplex transmission of the AC signal from the secondterminal to the primary-side controller 30 is available in theinsulating unidirectional circuit 37 and the capacitor C_(i2). The DCsignal conducting between the second terminal and the primary-sidecontroller 30 can be conducted through a DC path in the LPF 36A and theinsulating bidirectional circuit 34A.

The electrodes in the primary-side controller 30 side of the capacitorsC_(i1), C_(i2) may be connected to each other in the insulatingbidirectional circuit 34A as shown in FIG. 48B, and may be connected toeach other in the insulating bidirectional circuit 34A as shown in FIG.48C.

The PD device 4A according to the fourteenth embodiment can be calledmerely a PD device (PD) in the case of connecting to the externalapparatuses using the normal cable, but can be called a USB PowerDelivery (USB PD) device in the case where the USB-connecting isavailable.

Fifteenth Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 49, a PD device 4A according to a fifteenth embodimentincludes: a synchronous rectification type DC/DC converter 13 disposedbetween a first terminal and a second terminal, and composed of atransformer 15, a MOS transistor Q3, a capacitor C1, and a MOStransistor Q1 and a resistor RS connected in series between aprimary-side inductance L1 of the transformer 15 and a ground potential;a primary-side controller 30 configured to control the MOS transistorQ1; A power source supply circuit 10 connected between the firstterminal and the primary-side controller 30, and configured to supply apower source to the primary-side controller 30; a secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16 connected to the output of the DC/DC converter13, and also connected to the second terminal through the capacitor C2;an insulating bidirectional circuit 34A which is connected to thesecondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16, and feeds back second terminalinformation to the primary-side controller 30; a capacitor CA for ACcoupling connected to between the insulating bidirectional circuit 34Aand the primary-side controllers 30; and a low pass filter (LPF) 36Aconnected to between the insulating bidirectional circuit 34A and theprimary-side controllers 30. In the present embodiment, the LPF 36A maybe included in the primary-side controller 30.

The secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 can control the outputvoltage V_(o) and the output current I_(o).

The PD device 4A according to the fifteenth embodiment can improve theDC/DC power conversion efficiency compared with the fourteenthembodiment having the diode rectification system since the synchronizingrectification method is used for the DC/DC converter instead of thediode rectification system. Other configurations are the same as thoseof the fourteenth embodiment.

A voltage-current control circuit for controlling the output voltageV_(o) and the output current I_(o) is included in the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16.

In the fifteenth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 49, the DC feedback andthe AC signal common are achieved by the capacitor CA, the LPF 36A andthe secondary-side controller 16 disposed between the primary-sidecontroller 30 and the second terminal.

In the PD device 4A according to the fifteenth embodiment, the AC signalis superposed on and input into the second terminal from the outside.

The AC signal input into the second terminal from the outside is fedback to the primary-side controller 30 through the secondary-sidecontroller 16, the insulating bidirectional circuit 34A and thecapacitor CA from the second terminal. The AC signal fed back to theprimary-side controller 30 conducts on a connection line 30B between theprimary-side controller 30 and the insulating bidirectional circuit 34A.

The DC signal in the second terminal is fed back to the primary-sidecontroller 30 through the secondary-side controller 16, the insulatingbidirectional circuit 34A and the LPF 36A from the second terminal. TheDC signal fed back to the primary-side controller 30 conducts on aconnection line 30A between the primary-side controller 30 and the LPF36A. The DC signal fed back to the primary-side controller 30 is inputinto an error amplifier 30E disposed in the primary-side controller 30,as shown in FIG. 49.

On the other hand, the AC signal transmitted to the second terminal fromthe primary-side controller 30 (control signal to the connecting targets(set devices) connected to the outside) is transmitted to the secondterminal through the capacitor CA, the insulating bidirectional circuit34A and the secondary-side controller 16 from the primary-sidecontroller 30.

On the basis of the fed back DC signal and the fed back AC signal, theprimary-side controller 30 controls ON/OFF of the MOS transistor Q1,thereby stabilizing the output voltage.

Moreover, the primary-side controller 30 detects the amount of thecurrent conducted to the primary-side inductance L1 by the currentsensing resistor RS, thereby controlling the amount of the current, suchas a primary-side overcurrent.

As a consequence, the PD device 4A according to the fifteenth embodimenthas a variable function of an output voltage value and available outputcurrent capacity (MAX value) by the primary-side controller 30.

In the PD device 4A according to the fifteenth embodiment, the controlinformation is transmitted to the primary-side controller 30 through thesecondary-side controller 16, the insulating bidirectional circuit 34Aand the LPF 36A from the second terminal, and thereby the output voltageand the available output current capacity (MAX value) can be varied.

An inductance L3 is a separating inductance. More specifically, a filtercircuit composed of the inductance L3 and a capacitor CF separates acontrol signal from the DC/DC converter so that the control signal fromthe second terminal is not input into the DC/DC converter 13. In thepresent embodiment, the capacitor C1 can also be applied thereto,omitting the capacitor CF.

A capacitor, a photo coupler, a transformer, etc. is applicable to theinsulating bidirectional circuit 34A. As usage, a bidirectionaltransformer having an insulated driver, a bilateral device, etc. mayalso be applied thereto. The insulating bidirectional circuit 34A mayalso be composed of a plurality of the insulating unidirectionalcircuits, as shown in FIGS. 48A, 48B, and 48C.

In the PD device 4A according to the fifteenth embodiment, the variablefunction of the output voltage value and the available output currentcapacity (MAX value) of the step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 isachieved by the feedback control to the primary-side controller 30through the secondary-side controller 16, the insulating bidirectionalcircuit 34A and the LPF 36A from the second terminal. Accordingly, therelationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the output currentsI_(o) can be varied (variable function) in accordance with loads (e.g.,smart phones, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, etc.) connected to the secondterminal.

As the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrent I_(o) obtained by using the PD device 4A according to thefifteenth embodiment, there can be adopted various shape, e.g. arectangular shape as shown in FIG. 3A, an inverted trapezoidal shape asshown in FIG. 3B, an inverted triangle shape as shown in FIG. 3C, atrapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 3D, and a pentagonal shape as shownin FIG. 3E.

According to the fifteenth embodiment, achieved by the feedback controlto the primary-side controller 30 from the second terminal through thesecondary-side controller 16, the insulating bidirectional circuit 34Aand the LPF 36A, there can be provided the PD device having the variablefunction of the output voltage value and the available output currentcapacity (MAX value) of the diode rectification and step-down (buck)type DC/DC converter 13.

In the PD device 4A according to the fifteenth embodiment, since thesecondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 is able to USB-connect, the PDdevice 4A according to the fifteenth embodiment can be called a USBPower Delivery (USB PD) device.

In addition, the PD device 4A according to the fifteenth embodiment mayinclude an AC/DC converter connected to the AC input (first terminal)and composed of a fuse, a choke coil, a diode rectification bridgecapacitor etc., instead of the power source supply circuit 10 shown inFIG. 49.

Sixteenth Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 50, a PD device 4A according to a sixteenth embodimentincludes: a DC/DC converter 13 disposed between a first terminal and asecond terminal, and composed of a transformer 15, a diode D1, acapacitor C1, and a MOS transistor Q1 and a resistor RS connected inseries between a primary-side inductance L1 of the transformer 15 and aground potential; a primary-side controller 30 configured to control theMOS transistor Q1; A power source supply circuit 10 connected betweenthe first terminal and the primary-side controller 30, and configured tosupply a power source to the primary-side controller 30; asecondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 connected to the output of theDC/DC converter 13, and also connected to the second terminal throughthe capacitor C2; an insulating bidirectional circuit 34A which isconnected to the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16, and feeds backsecond terminal information to the primary-side controller 30; acapacitor CA for AC coupling connected to between the insulatingbidirectional circuit 34A and the primary-side controllers 30; and a lowpass filter (LPF) 36A connected to between the insulating bidirectionalcircuit 34A and the primary-side controllers 30. In the presentembodiment, the LPF 36A may be included in the primary-side controller30.

The secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 can control the outputvoltage V_(o) and the output current I_(o), and a voltage-currentcontrol circuit for controlling the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrent I_(o) is included in the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16.

Also in the sixteenth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 50, the DC feedbackand the AC signal common are achieved by the capacitor CA, the LPF 36Aand the secondary-side controller 16 disposed between the primary-sidecontroller 30 and the second terminal, as in the case of the fifteenthembodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the fifteenthembodiment.

In the PD device 4A according to the sixteenth embodiment, the variablefunction of the output voltage value and the available output currentcapacity (MAX value) of the step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 isachieved by the feedback control to the primary-side controller 30through the secondary-side controller 16, the insulating bidirectionalcircuit 34A and the LPF 36A from the second terminal. Accordingly, therelationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the output currentsI_(o) can be varied (variable function) in accordance with loads (e.g.,smart phones, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, etc.) connected to the secondterminal.

As the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrent I_(o) obtained by using the PD device 4A according to thesixteenth embodiment, there can be adopted various shape, e.g. arectangular shape as shown in FIG. 3A, an inverted trapezoidal shape asshown in FIG. 3B, an inverted triangle shape as shown in FIG. 3C, atrapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 3D, and a pentagonal shape as shownin FIG. 3E.

According to the sixteenth embodiment, there can be provided the PDdevice having the variable function of the output voltage value and theavailable output current capacity (MAX value) of the diode rectificationand step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13, achieved by the feedbackcontrol to the primary-side controller 30 from the second terminalthrough the secondary-side controller 16, the insulating bidirectionalcircuit 34A and the LPF 36A.

In the PD device 4A according to the sixteenth embodiment, since thesecondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 is able to USB-connect, the PDdevice 4A according to the fifteenth embodiment can be called a USBPower Delivery (USB PD) device.

Seventeenth Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 51, a PD device 4A according to a seventeenthembodiment includes an AC/DC converter connected to the AC input (firstterminal) and composed of a fuse 11, a choke coil 12, a dioderectification bridge 14, capacitors C5, C6, C3, etc., instead of thepower source supply circuit 10 as in the sixteenth embodiment.

Moreover, an auxiliary inductance L4 composed of the primary-sideauxiliary winding in the transformer 15, and a diode D2 and a capacitorC4 connected in parallel to the auxiliary inductance L4 are providedtherein, and the DC voltage VCC is supplied from the capacitor C4 to theprimary-side controller 30.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 51, the PD device 4A according to theseventeenth embodiment includes: a DC/DC converter 13 disposed betweenthe output of AC/DC converter and a second terminal, and composed of atransformer 15, a diode D1, a capacitor C1, and a MOS transistor Q1 anda resistor RS connected in series between a primary-side inductance L1of the transformer 15 and a ground potential; a primary-side controller30 configured to control the MOS transistor Q1; a secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16 connected to the output of the DC/DC converter13, and also connected to the second terminal through the capacitor C2;an insulating bidirectional circuit 34A which is connected to thesecondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16, and feeds back second terminalinformation to the primary-side controller 30; a capacitor CA for ACcoupling connected to between the insulating bidirectional circuit 34Aand the primary-side controllers 30; and a low pass filter (LPF) 36Aconnected to between the insulating bidirectional circuit 34A and theprimary-side controllers 30. In the present embodiment, the LPF 36A maybe included in the primary-side controller 30. Other configurations arethe same as those of the sixteenth embodiment.

In the PD device 4A according to the seventeenth embodiment, thevariable function of the output voltage value and the available outputcurrent capacity (MAX value) of the step-down (buck) type DC/DCconverter 13 is achieved by the feedback control to the primary-sidecontroller 30 through the secondary-side controller 16, the insulatingbidirectional circuit 34A and the LPF 36A from the second terminal.Accordingly, the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and theoutput currents I_(o) can be varied (variable function) in accordancewith loads (e.g., smart phones, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, etc.) connectedto the second terminal.

As the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrent I_(o) obtained by using the PD device 4A according to theseventeenth embodiment, there can be adopted various shape, e.g. arectangular shape as shown in FIG. 3A, an inverted trapezoidal shape asshown in FIG. 3B, an inverted triangle shape as shown in FIG. 3C, atrapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 3D, and a pentagonal shape as shownin FIG. 3E.

According to the seventeenth embodiment, there can be provided the PDdevice having the variable function of the output voltage value and theavailable output current capacity (MAX value) of the diode rectificationand step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13, achieved by the feedbackcontrol to the primary-side controller 30 from the second terminalthrough the secondary-side controller 16, the insulating bidirectionalcircuit 34A and the LPF 36A.

In the PD device 4A according to the seventeenth embodiment, since thesecondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 is able to USB-connect, the PDdevice 4A according to the thirteenth embodiment can be called a USBPower Delivery (USB PD) device having the AC/DC converter function(AC/DC+USB PD).

Eighth Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 52, a PD device 4A according to an eighteenthembodiment includes an independent DC/DC converter 24 which is connectedto the output of the step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 and whichincludes the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 therein. Moreover,the PD device 4A according to the eighteenth embodiment includes anAC/DC converter connected to the AC input (first terminal) and composedof a fuse 11, a choke coil 12, a diode rectification bridge 14,capacitors C5, C6, C3, as in the case of the seventeenth embodiment.

The synchronous rectification type DC/DC converter 24 is composed of theMOS transistor Q2, the inductance L7, and the secondary-side controller(PD CHIP) 16. The secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 is connected tothe gate of the MOS transistor Q2, and the secondary-side controller (PDCHIP) 16 controls ON/OFF of the MOS transistor Q2. The inductance L7 isan inductance used for the DC/DC converter 24.

An inductance L8 is a PD separating inductance. More specifically, afilter circuit composed of the inductance L8 and a capacitor CFseparates a control signal from the DC/DC converter so that the controlsignal from the second terminal side is not input into the DC/DCconverter 24.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 52, the PD device 4A according to theeighteenth embodiment includes: a DC/DC converter 13 disposed betweenthe output of the AC/DC converter and the output of the DC/DC converter,and composed of a transformer 15, a diode D1, a capacitor C1, and a MOStransistor Q1 and a resistor RS connected in series between aprimary-side inductance L1 of the transformer 15 and a ground potential;a primary-side controller 30 configured to control the MOS transistorQ1; a secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 DC-connected to the secondterminal, and AC-connected through the capacitor C2; An insulatingbidirectional circuit 34A which is connected to the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16, and feeds back second terminal information tothe primary-side controller 30; a capacitor CA for AC coupling connectedto between the insulating bidirectional circuit 34A and the primary-sidecontrollers 30; and a low pass filter (LPF) 36A connected to between theinsulating bidirectional circuit 34A and the primary-side controllers30. In the present embodiment, the LPF 36A may be included in theprimary-side controller 30.

An inductance L8 is a separating inductance. More specifically, a filtercircuit composed of the inductance L8 and a capacitor CF separates acontrol signal from the DC/DC converter so that the control signal fromthe second terminal side is not input into the DC/DC converter 24. Otherconfigurations are the same as those of the seventeenth embodiment.

A voltage-current control circuit for controlling the output voltageV_(o) and the output current I_(o) is included in the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16.

In the eighteenth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 52, the DC feedback andthe AC signal common are achieved by the capacitor CA, the LPF 36A andthe secondary-side controller 16 disposed between the primary-sidecontroller 30 and the second terminal.

The AC signal input into the second terminal from the outside is fedback to the primary-side controller 30 through the secondary-sidecontroller 16, the insulating bidirectional circuit 34A and thecapacitor CA from the second terminal. The AC signal fed back to theprimary-side controller 30 conducts on a connection line 30B between theprimary-side controller 30 and the insulating bidirectional circuit 34A.

The DC signal in the second terminal is fed back to the primary-sidecontroller 30 through the secondary-side controller 16, the insulatingbidirectional circuit 34A and the LPF 36A from the second terminal. TheDC signal fed back to the primary-side controller 30 conducts on aconnection line 30A between the primary-side controller 30 and the LPF36A. The DC signal fed back to the primary-side controller 30 is inputinto an error amplifier 30E disposed in the primary-side controller 30,as shown in FIG. 52.

On the other hand, the AC signal transmitted to the second terminal fromthe primary-side controller 30 (control signal to the connecting targets(set devices) connected to the outside) is transmitted to the secondterminal through the capacitor CA, the insulating bidirectional circuit34A and the secondary-side controller 16 from the primary-sidecontroller 30.

On the basis of the fed back DC signal and the fed back AC signal, theprimary-side controller 30 controls ON/OFF of the MOS transistor Q1,thereby stabilizing the output voltage.

Moreover, the primary-side controller 30 detects the amount of thecurrent conducted to the primary-side inductance L1 by the currentsensing resistor RS, thereby controlling the amount of the current, suchas a primary-side overcurrent.

As a consequence, the PD device 4A according to the eighteenthembodiment has a variable function of an output voltage value andavailable output current capacity (MAX value) by the primary-sidecontroller 30.

In the PD device 4A according to the eighteenth embodiment, the controlinformation is transmitted to the primary-side controller 30 through thesecondary-side controller 16, the insulating bidirectional circuit 34Aand the LPF 36A from the second terminal, and thereby the output voltageand the available output current capacity (MAX value) can be varied.

A capacitor, a photo coupler, a transformer, etc. is applicable to theinsulating bidirectional circuit 34A. As usage, a bidirectionaltransformer having an insulated driver, a bilateral device, etc. mayalso be applied thereto. Moreover, the insulating bidirectional circuit34A may also be composed of a plurality of the insulating unidirectionalcircuits, as shown in FIGS. 48A, 48B, and 48C.

In the PD device 4A according to the eighteenth embodiment, the variablefunction of the output voltage value and the available output currentcapacity (MAX value) of the step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 isachieved by the feedback control to the primary-side controller 30through the secondary-side controller 16, the insulating bidirectionalcircuit 34A and the LPF 36A from the second terminal. Accordingly, therelationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the output currentsI_(o) can be varied (variable function) in accordance with loads (e.g.,smart phones, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, etc.) connected to the secondterminal.

As the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and the outputcurrent I_(o) obtained by using the PD device 4A according to theeighteenth embodiment, there can be adopted various shape, e.g. arectangular shape as shown in FIG. 3A, an inverted trapezoidal shape asshown in FIG. 3B, an inverted triangle shape as shown in FIG. 3C, atrapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 3D, and a pentagonal shape as shownin FIG. 3E.

In the PD device 4A according to the eighteenth embodiment, the variablefunction of the output voltage value and the available output currentcapacity (MAX value) of the synchronous rectification type DC/DCconverter 24 is achieved by the secondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16included in the synchronous rectification type DC/DC converter 24.Accordingly, the relationship between the output voltage V_(o) and theoutput currents I_(o) can be varied (variable function) in accordancewith loads (e.g., smart phones, laptop PCs, tablet PCs, etc.) connectedto the second terminal.

According to the eighteenth embodiment, the output voltage of dioderectification and step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13 is stabilizedby the feedback control from the output of step-down (buck) type DC/DCconverter to the primary-side controller 30, and the variable functionof the output voltage value and the available output current capacity(MAX value) of the synchronous rectification type DC/DC converter 24connected to the DC/DC converter 13 is achieved by the secondary-sidecontroller (PD CHIP) 16 included in the synchronous rectification typeDC/DC converter 24.

As a consequence, according to eighteenth embodiment, there can beprovided the PD device having the variable function of the outputvoltage value and the available output current capacity (MAX value) ofthe diode rectification and step-down (buck) type DC/DC converter 13.

In the PD device 4A according to the eighteenth embodiment, since thesecondary-side controller (PD CHIP) 16 is able to USB-connect, the PDdevice 4A according to the thirteenth embodiment can be called a USBPower Delivery (USB PD) device having the AC/DC converter function(AC/DC+USB PD).

A point that the PD device according to the seventh to eighthembodiments can also be included in the AC adapter is the same as thatof the first to sixth embodiments. Accordingly, the duplicateddescription thereof is omitted hereinafter.

A point that the PD device according to the seventh to eighthembodiments can also be included in the electronic apparatuses is thesame as that of the first to sixth embodiments. Accordingly, theduplicated description thereof is omitted hereinafter.

A point that the PD device according to the seventh to eighthembodiments can also apply the protection function thereto is the sameas that of the first to sixth embodiments. Accordingly, the duplicateddescription thereof is omitted hereinafter.

The Plug structure applicable to the adapter and the electronicapparatuses including the PD device according to the seventh to eighthembodiments is the same as that of the first to sixth embodiments.Accordingly, the duplicated description thereof is omitted hereinafter.

A point that the PD device according to the seventh to eighthembodiments can also apply the PD system thereto is the same as that ofthe first to sixth embodiments. Accordingly, the duplicated descriptionthereof is omitted hereinafter.

As explained above, according to the present invention, there isprovided the PD device, the AC adapter, the electronic apparatus, andthe PD system each which can control the variable function of the outputvoltage value and the available output current capacity (MAX value).

Other Embodiments

While the solution testing equipments are described in accordance withthe embodiments, it should be understood that the description anddrawings that configure part of this disclosure are merely instances,and are not intended to limit the present invention. This disclosuremakes clear a variety of alternative embodiments, working examples, andoperational techniques for those skilled in the art.

Such being the case, the present invention covers a variety ofembodiments, whether described or not.

What is claimed is:
 1. A power delivery device comprising: a DC/DCconverter disposed between an input and an output; a primary-sidecontroller configured to control an input current of the DC/DCconverter; a secondary-side controller connected with AC coupling to theoutput, the secondary-side controller configured to feed back electricpower information of the output to the primary-side controller; aninsulation circuit connected to the secondary-side controller, theinsulation circuit configured to feed back the electric powerinformation of the output to the primary-side controller; and a DC/ACcomponent separating circuit connected to the insulation circuit, theDC/AC component separating circuit configured to feed back the electricpower information of the output to the primary-side controller, whereinthe insulation circuit is an insulating bidirectional circuit connectedwith DC coupling to an output of the DC/DC converter, wherein theprimary-side controller varies an output voltage value and an availableoutput current capacity of the DC/DC converter by controlling the inputcurrent on the basis of the electric power information fed back from thesecondary-side controller through the insulation circuit and the DC/ACcomponent separating circuit.
 2. The power delivery device according toclaim 1 further comprising: an error amplifier for error compensationconnected to the secondary-side controller, the error amplifierconfigured to feed back the electric power information of the output tothe insulation circuit.
 3. A power delivery device comprising: a DC/DCconverter disposed between an input and an output; a primary-sidecontroller configured to control an input current of the DC/DCconverter; an AC coupling capacitor connected to the output; aninsulation circuit connected to the output through the AC couplingcapacitor, the insulation circuit configured to feed back the electricpower information of the output to the primary-side controller; and aDC/AC component separating circuit connected to the insulation circuit,the DC/AC component separating circuit configured to feed back theelectric power information of the output to the primary-side controller,wherein the insulation circuit is an insulating bidirectional circuitconnected with DC coupling to an output of the DC/DC converter, whereinthe primary-side controller varies an output voltage value and anavailable output current capacity of the DC/DC converter by controllingthe input current on the basis of the electric power information fedback from the insulation circuit through the DC/AC component separatingcircuit.
 4. The power delivery device according to claim 1, wherein theelectric power information includes DC information in the output, and ACinformation AC-superposed on the DC information to be input into theoutput from an outside.
 5. The power delivery device according to claim1 further comprising: a power source supply circuit connected betweenthe input and the primary-side controller, the power source supplycircuit configured to supply a power source to the primary-sidecontroller.
 6. The power delivery device according to claim 1 furthercomprising: an AC input; and an AC/DC converter connected between the ACinput and an input of the DC/DC converter.
 7. The power delivery deviceaccording to claim 3 further comprising: an error amplifier for errorcompensation connected to the output through the AC coupling capacitor,the error amplifier configured to feed back the electric powerinformation of the output to the insulation circuit.
 8. The powerdelivery device according to claim 7, wherein the insulatingbidirectional circuit feeds back AC information in the primary-sidecontroller to the output.
 9. The power delivery device according toclaim 3 further comprising: a capacitor disposed between the output andthe insulating bidirectional circuit, wherein the insulatingbidirectional circuit is connected with AC coupling to the outputthrough the capacitor.
 10. The power delivery device according to claim3, wherein the DC/AC component separating circuit comprises a low passfilter and a DC component eliminating circuit.
 11. The power deliverydevice according to claim 3 further comprising: a low pass filterconnected to the insulation circuit, the low pass filter configured tofeed back a DC component of the electric power information to theprimary-side controller, wherein the insulation circuit is an insulatingbidirectional circuit connected with DC coupling to an output of theDC/DC converter.
 12. The power delivery device according to claim 11,wherein the insulating bidirectional circuit feeds back AC informationin the primary-side controller to the output through the AC couplingcapacitor.
 13. The power delivery device according to claim 11 furthercomprising: an inductance connected between the output and an output ofthe DC/DC converter, wherein an AC component of the electric powerinformation is separated between the output and the output of the DC/DCconverter.
 14. An AC Adapter comprising a power delivery device, whereinthe power delivery device comprises: a DC/DC converter disposed betweenan input and an output; a primary-side controller configured to controlan input current of the DC/DC converter; a secondary-side controllerconnected with AC coupling to the output, the secondary-side controllerconfigured to feed back electric power information of the output to theprimary-side controller; an insulation circuit connected to thesecondary-side controller, the insulation circuit configured to feedback the electric power information of the output to the primary-sidecontroller; and a DC/AC component separating circuit connected to theinsulation circuit, the DC/AC component separating circuit configured tofeed back the electric power information of the output to theprimary-side controller, wherein the insulation circuit is an insulatingbidirectional circuit connected with DC coupling to an output of theDC/DC converter, wherein the primary-side controller varies an outputvoltage value and an available output current capacity of the DC/DCconverter by controlling the input current on the basis of the electricpower information fed back from the secondary-side controller throughthe insulation circuit and the DC/AC component separating circuit. 15.An electronic apparatus comprising a power delivery device, wherein thepower delivery device comprises: a DC/DC converter disposed between aninput and an output; a primary-side controller configured to control aninput current of the DC/DC converter; a secondary-side controllerconnected with AC coupling to the output, the secondary-side controllerconfigured to feed back electric power information of the output to theprimary-side controller; an insulation circuit connected to thesecondary-side controller, the insulation circuit configured to feedback the electric power information of the output to the primary-sidecontroller; and a DC/AC component separating circuit connected to theinsulation circuit, the DC/AC component separating circuit configured tofeed back the electric power information of the output to theprimary-side controller, wherein the insulation circuit is an insulatingbidirectional circuit connected with DC coupling to an output of theDC/DC converter, wherein the primary-side controller varies an outputvoltage value and an available output current capacity of the DC/DCconverter by controlling the input current on the basis of the electricpower information fed back from the secondary-side controller throughthe insulation circuit and the DC/AC component separating circuit.
 16. Apower delivery system comprising a power delivery device, wherein thepower delivery device comprises: a DC/DC converter disposed between aninput and an output; a primary-side controller configured to control aninput current of the DC/DC converter; a secondary-side controllerconnected with AC coupling to the output, the secondary-side controllerconfigured to feed back electric power information of the output to theprimary-side controller; an insulation circuit connected to thesecondary-side controller, the insulation circuit configured to feedback the electric power information of the output to the primary-sidecontroller; and a DC/AC component separating circuit connected to theinsulation circuit, the DC/AC component separating circuit configured tofeed back the electric power information of the output to theprimary-side controller, wherein the insulation circuit is an insulatingbidirectional circuit connected with DC coupling to an output of theDC/DC converter, wherein the primary-side controller varies an outputvoltage value and an available output current capacity of the DC/DCconverter by controlling the input current on the basis of the electricpower information fed back from the secondary-side controller throughthe insulation circuit and the DC/AC component separating circuit.